During the weather
event on Friday, Dec. 16, troopers headquartered at the Indiana State
Police’s Lowell post responded to numerous calls for service on I-80/94 and
I-65.
Troopers responded
to a total of 72 calls: 28 for motorist assists (flat tires, out of fuel,
etc.); 22 slide-offs (no crash report); 16 property-damage crashes; and six
personal-injury crashes. None of the injury crashes involved fatalities.
Across the state
troopers responded to the following over the 24-hour period 10 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 16, and 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16: 442 property-damage crashes; 77
personal-injury crashes; two separate fatal crashes, both in Marion County,
with one death at each scene; 206 slide-offs; and 258 motorist assists.
Over the course of
24 hours seven ISP police vehicles were also struck but no troopers injured.
“The Indiana State
Police would like to remind drivers to drive defensively during winter
weather events,” the ISP said. “Oftentimes bridge decks freeze first,
followed by open areas. Use extra caution when approaching these areas.”
“Motorists should
also leave increased stopping distances between vehicles, reduce normal
traveling speeds, slowing down for emergency vehicles and emergency lighting
and if travel is deemed necessary, to plan accordingly by leaving earlier
and allowing extra travel time to reach your destination safely,” the ISP
added. “Travelers are also encouraged to ensure you have adequate fuel,
blankets, food, water, emergency flares and a cell phone charger just to
name a few items of importance.”
Travelers can
obtain current local and state road and weather conditions by calling the
INDOT road conditions phone line at (800)261-7623 or by going online at
pws.trafficwise.org and indot.carsprogram.org
“These provide
real-time traffic and road conditions and are very helpful and easy to use,”
the ISP said. “If you have an emergency call 911.”