MSHP working through dozens of crashes from slick roads

Icy pavement is making for a busy morning for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is responding to numerous crashes in the St. Joseph area on interstates and rural roads.

Sergeant Shane Hux with MSHP Troop H said from 4:28 a.m. through 2 p.m. on Wednesday, officers responded to 57 calls for service, 30 vehicle crashes, three injury crashes and 24 stranded motorists throughout the region.

According to Sgt. Hux, I-29 northbound was blocked at the 43 mile marker in Buchanan County in the early morning, resulting in northbound traffic being detoured onto I-229.

State troopers say, fortunately, the hectic morning came without any fatalities.

“It was a busy morning with people sliding off the roadway, crashing due to unforeseen circumstances whenever the road slicked up from the cold weather,” Sgt. Hux said.

Weather conditions such as ice on roadways can cause more vehicle crashes, resulting in lane closures and blocked roadways allowing emergency personnel to investigate those crashes, according to MSHP.

As winter progresses, drivers are urged to always use caution when on the roads.

“Anytime there’s a weather event like this related to weather, decrease your speed and increase your following distance,” Sgt. Hux said. “If you don’t have to travel, the best thing you can do is stay at home until the weather clears and allows the roadway conditions to improve.”