Amid hundreds of snowy slide-offs, do this, not that

SALT LAKE CITY – The big snowstorm Monday snarled traffic unlike any other storm this winter, causing problems for motorists across the state.  The high number of crashes prompted a critical safety reminder from state troopers and the Utah Department of Transportation.

“If people were driving for the snowy conditions, they would have many fewer problems,” said Trooper Lawrence Hopper.  “Slow down and give yourself plenty of following room.”

The Utah Highway Patrol responded to more than 275 crashes on the Wasatch Front alone, before noon on Monday.  Around 11 a.m., they had a back log of 60 crashes.

UHP Troopers encourage motorists to take specific actions following a slide-off crash in stormy conditions.

If you crash on the interstate in a snowstorm, call 911, and stay in your car with your seat belt buckled. Do not get out because another vehicle could be sliding your way.

If your car is operable, get off at the next exit. Let the state troopers know where you are. They will meet you there.

“If the damage is not too serious to where they can move, and if there are no injuries, we ask drivers to move off the freeway,” said Trooper Hopper. “Get to a safe location. Call 911. We’ll send a trooper to you there.”

“When the snow fall comes down, we need everybody’s cooperation to make sure that we can be as safe as we can out on the roadways,” said Lisa Miller, a spokesperson for UDOT.

The UDOT Traffic APP is ideal for a days like Monday.  Commuters can identify crashes on their route and avoid them. They can also locate the snow plows to determine how recently the roads were cleared.

Right now, UDOT and state troopers expect this storm to continue to cause weather issues on our roads through Tuesday’s morning commute.

“Scan ahead on the road,” he said.  “When you see an incident on the side of the road, slow down.”

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