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2009-44
PRESS RELEASE: November 16, 2009
FROM:   The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: Technical Trooper Edna Buttler (785) 296-6800

Patrol Encourages Preparation for Winter Weather Driving

This week snow and winter weather are forecasted throughout the state of Kansas. Each year during winter storms, the Kansas Highway Patrol works numerous traffic crashes related to the weather. Since Sunday night, the Patrol has already worked many crashes related to the changing conditions. KHP is encouraging motorists to slow down and be prepared for these adverse conditions.

Driving too fast for conditions ranked in the top five contributing circumstances of all traffic crashes last year, contributing to nine-percent of all crashes. In 2008, a traffic crash involving snow and ice occurred every 1.15 hours. There were 7,643 crashes worked during ice and snow conditions, and 22 people died from these crashes in 2008. Injured were 1,851 people. For 2008, December was the month with the highest number of crashes reported, with over 550 more crashes than any other month of the year. In 2008, 11.6% of all crashes in the state occurred during snow and/or ice conditions.

As motorists venture out during one of the first winter storms of the season, the following tips are offered:

  • Prepare your vehicle for winter travel by replacing wiper blades; ensuring tires have good tread and air pressure; and by checking the vehicle's fluids, exhaust system, and other mechanical equipment. You also may want to consider adding a shovel to your trunk, weight such as sand bags in the bed of a pickup (To help with traction and control.), and carrying a sand/salt mixture in your trunk to help melt the snow and gain traction.
  • The vehicle should also be stocked with items that would be beneficial if you were involved in a crash, or your vehicle became stuck. Beneficial items would be: bottled water, blankets, non-perishable food items, a first aid kit, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
  • You should try to keep your gas tank full, as this adds additional weight for traction in adverse conditions, and lessens the possibility of running out of fuel if you became stuck for a long period of time.
  • Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors, and lights, and use your headlights to provide optimum visibility. Make sure the entire window is clear. Having only a small portion cleared could contribute to a crash if you don't see another vehicle.
  • Accelerate and brake gently, and increase following distance between you and other vehicles. Be particularly cautious on bridges, and in curves, as they are often the slicker parts of the road.
  • Steer in the direction you want to go if your vehicle loses traction and begins to slide.
  • Allow for more time when traveling to and from work, home, school, or other activities.
  • Always wear your seat belt, and properly secure children in the proper safety seats.
  • Have a plan for your children should they get sent home from school early.
  • For tips on preparing your homes and vehicles for adverse winter weather, go to: www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/.
  • If you are involved in a traffic crash, or need assistance, call the Patrol at *47 from your cell phone. To find out road conditions, call 511 from a landline or cellular phone, or view conditions at: www.ksdot.org/offTransInfo/511Info/511traffictravel.asp.