North East, PA — January 4, 2025, Thomas Dedinsky was killed and another person was injured in a truck accident at about 2:40 p.m. on Route 89 near Townline Road.

Authorities said two Pennsylvania Department of Transportation plow trucks were clearing snow on southbound Route 89 when one was struck by a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee that had been heading north.

Blowing snow had obscured visibility at the time of the crash, according to authorities.

Jeep driver Thomas Dedinsky, 74, died in the crash, authorities said, while a passenger suffered minor injuries.

The plow driver was not injured, authorities said.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I hear about a crash like this one, my first question is how the weather conditions and reduced visibility may have contributed to the collision. Snow-clearing operations often take place in challenging environments, and crashes during these times often highlight the interaction between road conditions, driver behavior and vehicle positioning.

A key question in this incident is whether the Jeep driver had adequate visibility to avoid the plow truck. Authorities have mentioned that blowing snow obscured visibility, which can significantly limit reaction time for drivers, particularly on rural roads. Investigators should assess whether the roadway was clearly marked and whether the plow trucks had their warning lights activated to make them more visible in low-visibility conditions.

The plow truck’s position and movement at the time of the crash are also relevant. Snowplows often operate partially or fully in opposing traffic lanes while clearing snow, which can create unexpected obstacles for other vehicles. Investigators should determine whether the plow was in a safe position and whether its operator followed standard procedures to minimize the risk of conflict with oncoming traffic.

Finally, the design and maintenance of Route 89 may also come under review. Was this section of the road prone to visibility issues during snowstorms, and were there measures in place, such as signage or lane delineation, to help guide drivers through hazardous conditions?

This crash underscores the challenges of operating and sharing the road with snow-clearing equipment in winter conditions. A thorough investigation into visibility, road design, vehicle operation, and driver behavior will be essential to understanding what led to this incident and how similar crashes might be prevented in the future.