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

Troop D Headquarters, 3131 East Kearney Street, Springfield, Missouri 65803


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Jason M. Pace
417-895-6868
D472015
December 26, 2015

EMPHASIS: Heavy Rains And High Waters Create Hazardous Conditions


Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, would like to remind motorists of the dangers of flash flooding.

Over the course of the next several days, heavy rains could cause extensive flash flooding in the Troop D area which may lead to many roadway closures. The Patrol encourages motorists to never drive through water covered roads; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle off the roadway. For your safety and that of your passengers, drivers are reminded to stay alert while driving in areas known to flood. Barricades closing a road are there to protect you. Drivers must respect barriers or barricades put in place by MoDOT. It is extremely dangerous and a violation of state law to drive around them. If your vehicle would happen to become stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.

Weather conditions requiring the use of windshield wipers are usually those that affect visibility. Motorists are reminded that state law requires them to turn on their vehicle’s headlights any time they are using the windshield wipers. It only takes a second to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. But, that second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash. Drivers need to slow down and turn on their headlights in rainy weather conditions.

In preparation for these hazardous conditions, Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D officers, in a coordinated effort with area police and fire departments, are ensuring the public that resources, manpower, and equipment are in place to provide additional safety to motorists. Should you find yourself in need of assistance, contact your local law enforcement agency or contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at *55 on a cellular phone. For information regarding road closures please visit the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) road condition map at the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website www.mshp.dps.mo.gov.

Approximately 63 percent of Missouri fatal crash victims who are required to be restrained are NOT at the time of the traffic crash. The Patrol urges motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Join us in supporting the Drive To Zero Highway Deaths. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!

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