Libertyville man fatally struck by snow plow identified
As police investigate the death of a 75-year-old Libertyville man fatally struck by a snowplow outside his home Monday, drivers are being cautioned to stay alert while approaching snow-packed intersections and driveways.
An autopsy revealed Donald Anderson, 75, suffered multiple injuries when he was hit by the municipal plow, the Lake County coroner's office said in a news release.
Anderson was struck about 9:50 a.m. in the roadway outside his house on Bridle Court, authorities said.
Neighbors said Anderson was on the edge of his driveway with a snowblower when the plow truck struck him, ABC 7 Chicago reported.
Anderson's death remains under investigation by the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team and the coroner's office. Police had no updates Tuesday.
The plow driver was placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of the investigation, Libertyville officials said.
Municipal plow drivers face safety challenges including heavy snowfall, freezing rain, blowing snow and excess snow in roads, said Bradford H. Woodbury, Lincolnshire's public works director.
"Many times, it's private contractors that push or blow snow directly into the roadway, which creates unsafe driving conditions, especially if the snow freezes," Woodbury said.
Woodbury said people should avoid dumping snow from their driveways or sidewalks onto roadways. He also said homeowners and pedestrians should listen for backup alarms on trucks and watch for strobe lights and warning lights.
Additionally, people should discourage children from playing in large snow drifts, Woodbury said, and they should avoid standing or walking in roads as much as possible.
Police say drivers should be extra cautious at all street intersections and driveways that have large snow mounds.
"Motorists should slow down and anticipate the possibility of a vehicle or pedestrian exiting obstructed driveways," said Lake County sheriff's Sgt. Christopher Covelli.
Homeowners can help by piling snow in areas that don't obstruct visibility rather than creating large mounds near driveway aprons, Covelli said.
"Motorists and pedestrians need to have a clear line of sight at all intersections," Covelli said.