FedEx truck, 10-wheeler and Chevy pickup crash as treacherous roads near Palisades cause multiple wrecks
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SWAN VALLEY — A FedEx truck, a 10-wheeler Kenworth boom truck, and a white Chevy pickup collided Tuesday in slick driving conditions on U.S. Highway 26 next to Palisades Reservoir.
No individuals were injured in the wreck, which occurred near milepost 398 at about 9:52 a.m., according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
“The FedEx van spun out on the slick, icy road which caused the accident blocking traffic,” reported eyewitness Robin Schroeder, who said her blue Ford truck was also damaged in the crash.
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police responded to the incident.
Officers, deputies, and tow trucks worked to clear the road, but as the morning progressed, multiple vehicles slid off the highway near the wreck, causing property damage.
“We’re in a season of unpredictable weather changes where road conditions and visibility can change rapidly,” said Sgt. Bryan Lovell, spokesman for the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
Two other slide-offs also occurred on Idaho Highway 31, known as Pine Creek Road.
“Those conditions can change every hour, every 30 minutes sometimes,” he cautioned. “Being prepared for the unexpected is going to lessen your risk significantly.”
Lovell warned about heavier Thanksgiving traffic this week and advised commuters to slow down on icy roads amid quickly changing temperatures.
“Don’t let roads that you know are wet — and then all sudden become slick — surprise you and get caught up in a crash,” he said.
He reminds travelers to keep windows free and clear of ice and snow, always wear their seat belts, and utilize safety systems.
“Take the time to clear all those windows off before you travel, as you want the best visibility possible in low visibility,” Lovell said.
