With a new weather system bearing down on Mid-Missouri today, it's time for Callaway County drivers to take a deep breath, slow down and pay attention to conditions.
"With impending winter weather throughout the county, we ask all motorists to prioritize their travels and use extreme patience when navigating the roadways," Callaway County Sheriff Clay Chism said. "And, please give MoDOT, County Road and Bridge, and emergency responders ample room to clear the roadways and work any traffic-related incidents. Taking an extra few minutes could save your life, or that of another person."
Many roads throughout the state remain snow covered, andMoDot is advising drivers to use extreme care if they must travel. In addition, refreezing could cause the potential for patches of black ice, and bitter cold temperatures are slowing clean up.
A few flurries are possible throughout the day today, with the high only reaching 28 degrees, according to weather.com. This evening, early snow showers are possible with some accumulation. That amount depends on who is doing the forecasting, with weather.com saying to expect about an inch. However, the National Weather Service in St. Louis reports today could bring snow, freezing rain and slept, and accumulation of 1-3 inches is possible.
"Even a slight amount of precipitation can make for slick roads," MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester said. "We encourage drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their travels and drive for the conditions, which means lowering your speeds and keeping your attention on the task at hand, which is driving."
A serious crash was reported by Missouri troopers in Callaway County at 3 p.m. Sunday. The one-vehicle crash happened on Route FF, just west of U.S. 54. A 1988 Toyota pickup driven by Roy D. Cameron, 50, of Rolla, went off the right side of the road, over an embankment and then struck a culvert. Cameron was transported by EMS to University Hospital in serious condition, and the vehicle was destroyed.
Three serious incidents were reported Sunday afternoon after a wave of snow and freezing rain fell on Interstate 44. One person died and another was injured in a 12-car pileup about 5 p.m. Sunday just east of Lebanon. Eleven were injured with two airlifted with serious injuries after a 30-car pileup about 2 p.m. Sunday near Rolla, the Highway Patrol reported. And a third crash with injuries near Gascozark was also reported.
Motorists are urged to stay off roads tonight and monitor road conditions before heading out tomorrow morning. If you must travel, MoDOT officials ask that you allow extra time for your travels and slow down if you encounter slick conditions.
"Ice can be very deceptive because it's hard to see on the road," MoDOT Central District Engineer David Silvester said. "It's called black ice because it tends to look like the rest of the pavement on the road, but it's actually clear. It's easy for drivers to be caught off guard, especially if they aren't paying attention and are driving too fast."
Drivers should slow down, steer and brake gently, and allow space between your vehicle and ones ahead of you. Also, stay at least 100 feet behind snow plows spreading salt, and never pass them.
MoDOT offers a variety of tools to help drivers get where they are going safely. The department's Traveler Information Map, located at modot.org, offers the latest road conditions, as well as real-time traffic flow and traffic cameras that provide a view of traffic on the interstates.
MoDOT also has a toll-free customer service line which is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. A customer service representative can be reached by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
Other crashes
Last week's Callaway County crashes reported by the Highway Patrol:
Feb. 1, 9:55 p.m. on Missouri 94 near County Road 4000: A 2007 Honda CRV driven by Melinda J. Vanpelt, 62, of Kaiser, went off the left site of the road, struck a ditch and overturned. Vanpelt received serious injuries and was airlifted by Staff for Life to University Hospital. A passenger, Sandra L. Otto, 58, of Kaiser, received minor injuries and was transported to Capital Region Medical Center.
Jan. 31, 6 p.m. on southbound U.S. 63 at West Outer Road 62: A 2006 Acura TL driven by Lucas R. Gilpin, 33, of Ashland, failed to yield to a 2006 Subaru Legacy driven by Kevin S. Ashley, 44, of Columbia, while crossing the road. The front of the Subaru struck the left side of the Acura. Both vehicles were totalled, and Gilpin received minor injuries and was transported to St. Mary's Hospital.