Slow down, Kansas City: What’s causing so many car crashes & tips for driving on icy roads

If you need to drive in the next couple days, make sure to pay extra close attention to the roads.

This week’s winter storm created dangerous driving conditions leading to dozens of crashes around Kansas City, and the extremely cold temperatures are keeping the roads slick.

There have already been a number of crashes on Interstate 35 during rush hour early Friday morning. On Thursday, one man died after he lost control of his van and plunged into Brush Creek.

Earlier this week, police officers responded to about 10 car crashes throughout the city before the storm hit on Wednesday. As of Thursday morning, officers responded to 51 crashes. Kansas City Police Department officers have responded to 85 crashes by before 11:00 a.m. on Friday morning.

Roads are still in dangerous condition — use extra caution

Although weather conditions have calmed down as of Friday morning, road conditions remain challenging, and the number of crashes continues to increase.

“Unfortunately, even though the roads look pretty clear, the road temperatures are so cold, there is ice everywhere especially on the bridges and overpasses,” said KCPD Officer Donna Drake in an emailed statement. “Slow down, getting somewhere faster is not worth the risk. And if at all possible, just stay at home! If you must go somewhere today, take your time!”

What has caused so many crashes this week?

Many of the crashes that have happened this week are the result of drivers sliding off the roads and issues with overpasses and bridges, which tend to ice over quicker than other roads because the freezing wind can circulate underneath.

Investigators looking into Thursday’s fatal accident at Brush Creek said it seemed like the driver was trying to make a turn and slid off the roadway. Other accidents Friday morning occurred along interstates, particularly near bridges and near on and off ramps.

“I can’t stress enough that even if the road looks clear, there are icy spots on the roadway,” Drake said. “It’s nice the sun is shining on the roads, but with temperatures as cold as they are, I’m not sure it will make a big impact.”

Tips for drivers on icy roads, from a driving instructor

Mark Schuetz, owner of Schuetz Driving School in Olathe, said that the most important thing to do while driving in these slick conditions is to drive slowly and use your head.

• Count the seconds: Schuetz added that when traveling on the highway, try to stay 6 to 7 seconds away from the car in front of you. If on a regular road, try to stay about 4 to 5 seconds away from other drivers. To gauge how many seconds you are away from the driver in front of you, pay attention to when the driver passes a landmark. This could be a light pole or a building. Then count the number of seconds it takes for you to pass this same landmark.

Schuetz said using seconds instead of car lengths to measure how far you are from fellow drivers can be better because it takes into account how fast you are actually going.

• Exit slowly without slamming breaks: When exiting highways, Schuetz said that the main thing you can do is slow down. Certain bridges and overpasses can freeze easier and become especially slippery. Try to go as slow as possible while exiting highways or entering ramps. If there are cars behind you and you must maintain your speed, Schuetz suggests that you try your best to slow down gradually.

“The main thing is when you exit off, you want to make sure that you know you start slowing down fairly quick without slamming your brakes,” Schuetz said.

• Take your time with turns: Schuetz also said to make sure to take your time with any turns. People should slow down for turns in general, but with more snow on the ground, there may be snow piles that require you to make wider turns. If so, slow down and pay attention so you don’t find yourself or your car stuck in a pile of snow.

Other winter driving tips

The State of Missouri and the Kansas Department of Transportation have a few tips for drivers who have to navigate snow and ice on the roads.

• Leave extra space between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you. This can help you avoid a crash if you slide.

• In general, drive slower than usual, regardless of what the posted speed limit is.

• If you are driving a four-wheel drive vehicle, don’t assume you can drive faster without consequence. Four wheel drive can provide extra traction, according to the Department of Transportation, but cars with four-wheel drive are no better at steering or braking, so still slow down when on the road.

• Try not to overcorrect by slamming on the brakes. If your car starts to slide, try to steer in the direction you want to go until you get control of your car. Be prepared that your car may then slide the other direction.

• Be mindful that bridges and overpasses often ice over quicker than other roads, so you may need to cross them with more caution.

• Don’t pull out in front of vehicles too quickly. Remember that they may not be in control of their speed.

• Try not to use cruise control. You should always be in control of how much you are accelerating and slowing down.

Drivers can also prepare their car for the winter weather by keeping a full tank of gas in their car, checking their tire air pressure and fluids, and packing an emergency kit for the trunk. For more tips on how to winterize your car, visit here.

If you want to stay up to date on road conditions, you can sign up for email and text updates at modot.org. You can also dial *55 on your cell phone to connect to the closest Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters.

For updates on weather and road conditions in Kansas, call 511 or r 1-866-511-5368. You can also visit kandrive.org to plan out your trip and see any delays, closures or incidents on the roads in Kansas. For more tips for driving in the snow visit: www.mo.gov/winter-weather-safety.