Ice causes 24 crashes in District 9

[December 08, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- Before noon Monday, District 9 Illinois state troopers handled over 24 crashes involving property damage and minor injuries. Troopers also handled many other incidents where vehicles slid off the roadway into the ditch. The majority of the crashes occurred on Interstate 55 and Interstate 72, primarily on bridges and overpasses, during the adverse road and weather conditions.

As winter weather moves in, District 9 Commander James Wolf would like to help motorists get ready for the season of snow and ice. Capt. Wolf reminds motorists to:

• Slow down and increase your following distance.

• Allow extra time to get to your destinations.

• Understand that the posted speed limit can be too fast during inclement weather.

• Take extra caution when traveling across bridges and overpasses and anticipate they will be ice- or snow-covered.

• If at all possible, reduce travel during severe conditions.

• If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle or SUV, realize those vehicles will not help you stop any faster than a two-wheel-drive vehicle.

[Text from file received from Illinois State Police District 9]