MoDOT warns drivers to take it slow during winter weather
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri will head into its fourth winter storm of the year Thursday, which could create dangerous conditions for drivers.
Jeff Neimeyer, who works for Missouri's Department of Transportation, says people typically drive too fast during bad winter weather, which can cause them to lose control and slide into a median.
"For many crashes, there's a chance that debris will be on the highway, you know, I really recommend that people drive slow during winter conditions," Neimeyer said.
According to MODOT, guard cables help prevent vehicles that have left the road from sliding across the median and shutting off oncoming traffic.
Although medians are there to keep drivers safe, Neimeyer says he's noticed an uptick in cars hitting guard cable during the winter. He says his staff does their best to fix the issue quickly so it doesn't affect drivers out on the road.
"If there's an emergency like that, were there on-site and we'll clean up anything that's on the roadway," said Neimeyer.
According to data, about 70 percent of accidental deaths that happen during the winter happen in cars. MODOT encourages people to stay home if they don't have to be out on the roads Thursday.
MODOT says its crews are prepared for the storm.
"Were getting all of our trucks fitted, making sure they're all filled up and ready to go. And we got our staff all ready and called in, prepared for the storm, and right now we're just waiting for the weather to get here," Neimeyer said.
