Safety officials warn drivers to stay in vehicle in case of crash

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day for winter weather that will make its way through Columbia and mid-Missouri Tuesday and Wednesday. With winter conditions, emergency officials expect to respond to more crashes.

Brad Fraizer with the Columbia Fire Department said there are several things drivers should do if they are involved in a crash during winter weather.

The first thing is keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle.

"You should have things in there like flashlights, blankets, bottled water, anything that you might need in case you get stranded for any period of time," Fraizer said.

He said it can benefit drivers to have a kit, even if they are not driving very far.

"Any time of the year you should have an emergency kit in your car, but this time of year especially because the weather is cold," he said. "Sometimes even small trips can turn into a problem if you find yourself off the road."

Fraizer said if a driver is in a crash they should contact authorities to let them know where their car is. If there are injuries or any other hazards, a driver should call 911. If there is not a hazard, drivers can call the non-emergency number 311.

"If you find yourself off the road and you're not injured and there's no dangers, immediate issues around you, it's always a good idea to let someone know where you're at. A family member, relative, friend," he said.

He said drivers should try to stay in their vehicles if at all possible. He said this is because other vehicles can slide and hit someone if they are standing on the side of the road. He said getting out of your vehicle if it comes to a stop in the road can be even more dangerous than staying in it.

When officials respond to vehicles off the road they mark them with yellow scene tape. Fraizer said if a car has the tape they are aware it is there and there is no need to call the department or 911.

He said if they receive a call about a vehicle they will respond no matter what, so avoiding multiple calls about one vehicle can keep them free to help people who need it.

If someone comes to pick someone up from a crash, that person should also exercise caution. Drivers should use their flashers so other drivers see they are stopped.

"Try to exit and enter the car on the opposite side of traffic and be careful when you're merging back into traffic," Fraizer said.