Illinois State Police are urging people to stay home as road crews continue to remove snow and treat the state’s highways.
Troopers in District 8 that covers much of the Peoria area have responded to more than fifty roadway incidents since the snow began to fall yesterday afternoon. That includes about ten vehicle crashes. Trooper Dustin Pierce is the Safety and Education Officer for District 8.
“Most of the problems we’re seeing are just people going too fast. They’re getting in a hurry. They get out into the left lane. All the roadway is snow-packed, but the left lane especially. And they get out in that left lane going too fast and then they spin out, end up in the ditch, or they end up hitting another car or guardrail, etc.”
Pierce says Interstates 74, 1-55 and 39 remain snow packed and very slick. He says there are also areas where roads appear to be wet, but are instead covered with black ice. State police say anyone who must travel today should allow for extra time, drive slow, and wear their seatbelts. Motorists should also carry emergency kits that include charged cell phones, warm clothes, food, water and blankets.