Press release from the Indiana State Police:
Fort Wayne Troopers Respond to Unsafe Speeds and Icy Roads
(January 19, 2011) – Fort Wayne-Troopers from the Indiana State Police post in Fort Wayne were kept extremely busy during the morning commute responding to, and driving upon, both vehicle crashes and slide offs throughout the 11 county coverage area.
According to Fort Wayne post dispatchers, troopers responded to, and investigated a total of 23 property damage crashes, 27 slide offs and seven personal injury crashes between 2:00 am and 10:45 am. I-69 both north and southbound from the 102 to the 112 mile markers were closed for approximately three to four hours because of numerous crashes and hazardous road conditions. Likewise, I-469 was closed at a number of access points because of crashes and jackknifed semi tractor trailers.
Lieutenant Rob Townsend, Fort Wayne District Commander continues to reiterate to the motoring public, “that it is driving behavior, primarily unsafe speed, during the winter months that are the primary causes of the crashes and slide offs that we respond to.” He also reminds the public of the following:
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, head lights and tail lights.
- Beware of bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.
- Slow down to increase traction; 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 low beam headlights to decrease glare from ice.
For Indiana road conditions between December 1st and March 31st, call 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or visit INDOT’s TrafficWise website.
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