Winter weather arrives; Patrol warns 'Drive with caution'

As of Monday afternoon, snow was falling or in the weather forecast for much of Missouri. Winter weather calls for drivers to make adjustments and the Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages motorists to plan ahead and drive safely or not at all during inclement weather.

Although precipitation wasn't as heavy in Vernon County as expected as the storm approached, motorists in the area struggled with the slick roads. By 6 p.m., U.S. 71 was reported as "covered" from Arkansas to near Kansas City, and U.S. 54 was reported in similar condition from the Kansas state line to Hickory County. Although crews were at work monitoring and treating roadways, hazardous traveling conditions were expected to continue today. According to the National Weather Service, once the snowfall ends, blowing snow also is likely.

Here are some tips from the MSHP on winter driving:

Plan extra time into the trip schedule to clean snow and ice completely from the vehicle. The extra time will help ensure travelers reach the intended destination at a slow, safe speed. Make sure the windows are completely cleared to ensure visibility. Remember: Missouri law states if windshield wipers are in use, headlights must be turned on. It takes only a second to turn on the vehicle's headlights. That second could make the vehicle more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.

Keep in mind that Missouri law states lighted headlights are required "from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise and at any other time when there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead."

Missouri law also directs motorists to exercise the highest degree of care on Missouri's roadways, stating, "Every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of this state shall drive the vehicle in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person and shall exercise the highest degree of care."

When inclement weather strikes, adjust driving habits. For example, stopping quickly in the winter on snow-covered or icy roads is next to impossible, so increase following distance to five seconds or more. Driving the speed limit may not be "exercising the highest degree of care" during inclement weather; exceeding the speed limit never is.

Travelers who become stranded or see another vehicle stranded on the side of the road with passengers should call the Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number at (800) 525-5555 or dial *55 on a cellular phone. These numbers ring at the nearest troop headquarters.

It's also a good idea to winterize the vehicle.

Have a mechanic check the battery, heater, defroster, lights, hoses, belts, brakes, oil, tires, wipers, and fluid levels. Before traveling, gather an ice scraper, tire chains, battery booster cables, blankets, flashlight, and a bag of sand to place in the trunk. Emergencies cannot be predicted, but planning for them can help if one should arise. Missouri's Road Condition Report, (800) 222-6400, can help motorists plan the best route before leaving. This number gives an automated listing of road conditions throughout the state. Travelers may also view MoDOT's Road Condition Map by going to the Patrol's Web site, www.mshp.dps.mo.gov, and clicking on the Road Condition icon.