Full Notification

Rushville – This morning just before 7:30 a.m. Master Trooper Mike Ooley was driving northbound on SR3 just south of Rushville. He was in his fully marked police car, following a line of traffic that was traveling 5-10 M.P.H. in near white-out conditions on a snow and ice covered roadway, when a male driving a minivan came up behind him and began following too closely.

After following Ooley for a short distance the van suddenly swung out and passed Ooley, despite the low visibility and blowing snow. Trooper Ooley stopped the van once they reached a safe location, and cited the driver, Terry Phillips, age 54 of Batesville, for Speed Too Fast for Existing Road Conditions. He also issued Phillips a warning for Following Too Closely.

This is an example of how a driver can get a ticket despite being below the posted speed. Indiana code 9-21-5-4 specifies “Conditions requiring driving at a reduced speed,” sub section (5) “When special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.”

Remember to drive according to road conditions:

•Allow extra time to get to your destination.
•Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from hood, roof and head lights and tail lights.
•Beware of bridges, overpasses and intersections where ice tends to form first.
•Don’t use cruise control on slick roads.
•Avoid abrupt stops and starts, slow down gradually and keep wheels turning to avoid losing traction.
•Use headlights even during daylight hours.
•Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
•Decrease your speed according to the road conditions.
•Make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained.
•DON’T BE DISTRACTED-Pull over and stop to use electronic devices.
•MOVE OVER and SLOW DOWN for emergency and highway service vehicles.

The most common cause of crashes during snow or icy weather is speed too fast for the existing road conditions. Remember, slick roads don’t cause crashes-it’s your driving behavior on those roads that causes the crash. Please slow down and be patient. Plan your trip according to weather and traffic conditions.

Also for up to date Road and Weather Conditions, please call 1-800-261-7623, or visit INDOT’s web site at TrafficWise.IN.gov. PLEASE DO NOT CALL your local City, County or State Police for road conditions. PLEASE leave our phone lines open for emergency calls.