MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Troop B Headquarters - 308 Pine Crest Drive - Macon, Missouri 63552
NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B14014
January 6, 2014
EMPHASIS: Winter Weather Making Traveling Treacherous In The Troop B Area
Captain James E. Wilt, commanding officer of Troop B, Macon, would like to remind motorists that blowing snow and extremely cold temperatures will make traveling in Northeast Missouri dangerous for the next few days.
At the present time, most of the primary roadways in the Troop B area (16 northeast counties) are partially snow covered and secondary roads are still completely covered. High wind gusts creating blowing snow and extremely cold temperatures have made driving extremely dangerous. Until the weather and road conditions improve, the Patrol encourages motorists to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary. It is recommended that the public check road conditions before traveling by calling the Missouri's Road Condition Report (1-888-275-6636) or by viewing MoDOT's Road Condition Map by going to the Patrol's website www.mshp.dps.mo.gov and clicking on the Road Condition icon.
Winter weather brings with it many additional driving challenges, and the keys to safe winter driving are planning and patience. Before you travel, make sure your car has a full tank of gas and it is mechanically ready for winter. Also, have an ice scraper, tire chains, flashlight, battery booster cables, blankets, jackets, gloves and ensure your cellular phone is functional. If you become stranded or see another vehicle stranded on the side of the road with passengers, please call the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or dial *55. These numbers will contact the nearest troop headquarters.
During this winter weather situation, all available officers will be patrolling area roadways in an effort to assist those who become stranded or involved in any other type of an emergency. Since the onset of this round of winter weather, Troop B officers have investigated over 30 traffic crashes or slide-offs, and responded to over 20 reports of stranded motorists.
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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