Yesterday, troopers from the Versailles District spent the day responding to numerous weather related calls for service due to the latest round of snow that came through the area during the day. Between 5:30 AM and 2:30 PM, troopers responded to thirty-six crashes caused by the weather and roadway conditions. Of those crashes, twenty-five were property damage crashes only. The eleven remaining crashes involved personal injury to the people involved. In addition to these crashes that involved property damage or personal injury, troopers assisted with eighteen additional slide offs which did not lead to any damage. Of those injured in the crashes, none of those are considered life threatening injuries.
Some of those crashes in the Versailles District led to partial or full roadway closure while the crash was investigated and cleared. At one point, troopers responded to crashes both eastbound and westbound on a bridge on I-74 near the 168 mile marker in Dearborn County. These crashes temporarily caused I-74 to be shut down in both direction. Crashes occurred on I-65 in Bartholomew and Jackson Counties and I-74 in Decatur County that caused temporary lane blockage.
As possibly more winter weather approaches the area, the Indiana State Police would like to provide some advice for driving in winter weather conditions. It is important that all motorists properly clear all snow and ice off of windows and mirrors before driving to provide proper visibility. It is also beneficial to drive with headlights activated to make your vehicle visible to other vehicles traveling near you. When traveling in inclement weather, it is very important to reduce driving speed and to give yourself a larger distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If you find yourself involved in a minor crash, move vehicles to a safe location. Finally, we would encourage you to pack essential emergency supplies in your vehicle in case you get stranded for an extended period in inclement weather.
Please do not contact the Indiana State Police directly with questions about road conditions as phone lines need to remain open to receive emergency and other calls for assistance. For questions about road conditions, call 1-800-261-ROAD (1-800-261-7623) or visit www.trafficwise.in.gov.
Attached: Photo of I-74 Crash, 168 MM
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