Icy roads leave many accidents for Missouri

Reports out of Missouri earlier this month left drivers and transportation officials alike with an important reminder: When winter weather finally arrives, it is time to begin driving with the safety of others in mind.

According to officials from the Missouri Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies from St. Louis, it seemed as though a car accident had occurred on every road in the area because of slick conditions. Luckily no serious injuries were reported.

The majority of accidents occurred between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., when many motorists were heading home for the weekend. Portions of at least two major highways, Interstates 55 and 70, were closed at one point.

I-55 was closed on the northbound side between Gasconade Street and Arsenal Street after a multi-vehicle crash left several drivers with minor injuries. The eastbound lanes of I-70 were completely shut down so authorities could investigate a crash that occurred there.

To add to the mess, law enforcement agents were struggling to get to accident scenes. One police cruiser found its rear end in the Mississippi River after sliding more than 200 feet. No injuries were reported in this incident but a tow truck was needed to remove the vehicle.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reports were constantly coming in that night. A dispatcher with the agency said that almost any road that could be named had an accident happen on it.

As stated above, when there is ice or snow accumulating on the road, drivers need to slow down. It's not enough to assume that everyone else will get out of the way. If someone causes an accident because they were driving too dangerously for the conditions, they could be held liable in a civil lawsuit.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Freezing rain makes for treacherous roads in St. Louis region," Jan. 21, 2012