Snow triggers four car-plow collisions in southern MN

Three cars crashed into three state snowplows Wednesday morning in southeastern Minnesota. A fourth car-plow collision was reported shortly after near Mankato.

The accidents happened within roughly a four-hour span. There were no injuries reported but Minnesota Department of Transportation officials were anxious to remind drivers to give the plows plenty of room to work.

In the southeast, all three cars rear-ended snowplows trying to clear roads after the most recent snowfall, MnDOT Spokesman Mike Dougherty said. About 100 MnDOT plows were out in that region and lightweight snow and windy conditions decreased visibility on highway, he added.

"Sometimes people just kind of have to remind themselves to slow down and just give their trip a little extra time so that they get there safely," Dougherty said. "But the roads are going to be slick no matter what."

The accidents happened on Highway 56 at Goodhue County Road 9; on eastbound Highway 14 near Byron; and on Interstate 90 just west of Austin.

Shortly after the news of those accidents, MnDOT tweeted about a similar collision near Mankato.

Drivers should stay at least five car lengths behind plows, which typically drive at a slower rate while clearing snow, Dougherty said.