Freezing rain is already falling in parts of Missouri, which could make conditions dangerous for motorists. The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to pay attention to the weather and plan ahead. Motorists are encouraged to check the road conditions before driving to help determine if the trip can be completed safely. Consulting Missouriās Road Condition Report (1-888-275-6636) or MoDOTās Road Condition Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/ can provide the most current road condition information available. Avoiding travel may be the safest decision.
There is no mystery to driving on ice: Itās dangerous and should be avoided when possible. What some people describe as āblack iceā is simply ice on a paved roadway. Ice is transparent, thus allowing the roadway to be seen beneath. Drivers sometimes blame this condition for their traffic crash. However, it is a driverās responsibility to exercise the highest degree of care while driving on Missouriās roadways (Section 304.012 RSMo.).
Stopping quickly in the winter on snow-covered or icy roads is next to impossible. Use care by increasing your following distance as you drive. Ask yourself if the speed you’re traveling is safe for the weather conditions. Slow down when driving in snow or on ice. Driving the speed limit is not “exercising the highest degree of care” during inclement weather.
One traffic crash can affect traffic for hours during inclement weather. The Missouri State Highway Patrol suggests keeping your fuel tank at least half full. Having an ice scraper, tire chains, battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, flashlight, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk can help when trouble strikes. Emergencies cannot be predicted, but planning ahead can help you if one should arise.
If you have a cell phone, make sure itās fully charged and with you when you travel. Please do not use your cell phone when you are driving; park your vehicle well off the roadway or in a parking lot before placing a call. The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). These numbers ring at the nearest troop headquarters.
If you decide itās absolutely necessary to drive in inclement weather, take the time to make sure your vehicleās windows are completely cleared to ensure visibility. Clear your driveway so your vehicle enters the roadway safely. Allow extra driving time for you to reach your destination at a slow, safe speed. Remember: Missouri law states if youāre using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. It takes only a second to turn on your vehicleās headlights. That second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.
In the event that you are involved in a crash or slide off the roadway, stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt on. During inclement weather, multiple vehicles often crash or slide off the roadway at the same location. If you are walking around your vehicle, the chances of being injured or killed is much greater than if you remain inside your vehicle. The safest course of action is to contact law enforcement by cell phone and remain inside your vehicle. If there are no injuries in the crash, the vehicles should be moved off of the roadway to a safer location while waiting for law enforcement response.
Winter weather affects driving conditions and traffic patterns. Please remember to buckle up, stay alert, be courteous, and obey all traffic laws. Remember: Donāt drive if you donāt have to.