MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop I Headquarters, P.O. Box 128, Rolla, Mo 65402


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Crain
573-368-2345
February 3, 2014
I02A14

EMPHASIS: Troop I Encourages Cautious Driving During Winter Weather Conditions


With predictions of more winter weather this week, Captain Lee Ann H. Kenley, commanding officer of Troop I, would again like to urge motorists to drive smart and be extra cautious if travel is necessary for you or your family during this period of time.
Both freezing rain and snow have been common this winter season in Missouri, and the unfortunate results on our highways has been a higher number of vehicle crashes. Captain Kenley would first like to encourage all motorists to pay close attention to the weather forecasts and to properly prepare beforehand, so that unnecessary trips can be avoided if roadways are slick. If travel is completely unavoidable, then remember these tips while driving on ice- or snow-covered roads. The speed of your vehicle should be reduced for the conditions of the road. Please remember road conditions can change in a very short period of time and from one section of the highway to another. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. When roads are icy, your vehicle doesn’t have the traction required to stop quickly and may require up to 10 times the distance when compared to normal road conditions. Apply gentle pressure on your brakes or accelerator, and never use your vehicle’s cruise control unless road conditions are perfect and traffic is light. Please be patient and courteous, and keep in mind that driving in adverse weather conditions can be stressful for you and everyone else who is on the road.
Captain Kenley would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that safe travel and even survival is often dependent upon vehicle preparation. This not only includes the first steps of completely clearing your windshield and your vehicle’s other glass, but also making sure that there are necessary supplies in your vehicle such as food, water, blankets, and a fully charged cellular phone in case an emergency call must be made. Always make sure that vehicle fluid levels are sufficient and never let your fuel gauge near empty, as traffic tie ups are common when road conditions deteriorate. Just as a reminder, please dial *55 on your cell phone to contact the Patrol and when contact is made, be ready to give your location—for example, eastbound on Interstate 44, near the 146.2-mile marker or approximately 10 miles west of Waynesville, MO.
Captain Kenley would also like to inform the public that thus far in 2014, Troop I officers have not had to investigate a fatality crash. She stated, “Close attention is given to crash trends and what our troopers are doing to positively affect safe travel. We are very aware that winter road conditions do create more challenges and hazards. I can assure you that additional officers will be scheduled to assist the public during inclement weather conditions.”
The Patrol encourages motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!
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