MSHP Troop F responds to 82 crashes during snow fall in Mid-Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Monday marked the first significant amount of snow fall of the season in Mid-Missouri, with certain areas expected to receive up to five inches of snow into Tuesday. However, road conditions caused crashes across the area.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F -- which covers much of the Mid-Missouri area -- stated on its social media that it responded to responded to 202 calls for service, 75 noninjury crashes, seven injury crashes and 93 stranded motorists, based on data it had as of 1 p.m., according to its social media.
Update: As of 1:00 p.m., Troop F has received:
— MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) January 9, 2024
Calls For Service: 202
Stranded Motorists: 93
Non-Injury Crashes: 75
Injury Crashes: 7
Unless it’s absolutely necessary, please stay home🏠, stay warm, and stay safe. We will continue to keep you updated as the storm moves through. pic.twitter.com/f1btyFnHzR
MSHP Cpl. Kyle Green said earlier on Monday that most crashes that occur in these conditions stem from drivers driving too quickly along the roads.
"So just slow down. The roads really aren't that bad. It's just people find themselves getting in a hurry to get home and end up wrecking in the process," Green said.
We are currently investigating 13 traffic crashes and assisting with numerous stranded motorists. The vast majority of these are north of US 50.
— MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) January 8, 2024
Troop F Captain Jason Crites would like to remind everyone to be extra careful tonight. Please slow down and always buckle up. pic.twitter.com/17GtTqaoIt
The crashes that occurred resulted in minor injuries, according to Green.
Green recommends drivers take their time on the roads over the next 24 hours if they have somewhere to be, and to leave early if they find themselves needing to be somewhere by a certain time. Green also said if you find yourself beginning to slide on the roads while driving you should not follow your instinct.
According to Green, most drivers will immediately utilize their brakes when in these situations, but this can become more dangerous. Drivers should instead allow themselves to slide in the direction the vehicle is heading.
"Turn your wheel into the direction of the slide itself, you know stay off the brakes because like you said that will just compound the problem," Green said. "But really the best way to avoid that altogether is just to slow down in the first place and increase your following distance.
Green also recommends keeping an extra blanket, water and to make sure you have a cellphone in your vehicle, if you plan to travel during the weather. He also noted that MSHP always has additional troopers available when ice or snow is expected.
If weather were to worsen from what the forecast projected, additional troopers can be called in to assist, according to Green.
As of 7 p.m. Monday night Chief of Emergency Medical Services for Cole County EMS Eric Hoy noted that most crashes that resulted in minor injuries around Cole County occurred along Highway 54. Normal staffing is expected.
Assistant Chief of the Boone County Fire Protection District Gale Blomenkamp said normal staffing is expected for the department into Tuesday. Most crashes that occurred in the Boone County area occurred in the Northern part of the County to South of Columbia. According to Blomenkamp, most were caused by speeding, which is why he recommends slowing down and allotting extra time.
