Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol kept busy during Tuesday’s snow storm. The patrol says they responded to over 200 weather-related incidents as the snow fell across Nebraska. Troopers investigated 34 crashes, performed 161 motorist assists and helped other agencies with 18 responses from the evening hours of Tuesday through the Thursday morning commute.
One of those crashes involved two semi’s on I-80 near Gretna. The patrol says one semi rear-ended the other, which caused several boxes of jarred raisins to scatter across the roadway. After a bitterly cold start to Thursday, frigid temps are in the forecast for most of next week.
NSP advises all motorists to be prepared during winter driving conditions and extreme cold. “Exposure in extremely cold temperatures can be dangerous after only a short amount of time,” says Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Everyone on the road should have a plan in case they become stranded. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle and have a full tank of gas before you hit the road.”
Some items to keep in your winter survival kit are a first aid kit, ice scraper, gloves and a hat, extra clothing and food and a shovel. Drivers are also encouraged to keep a phone charger in their vehicle along with bottled water.
Motorists should always check the Nebraska 511 system for updated travel conditions throughout the state before attempting to travel in winter weather. Anyone who becomes stranded can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 and speak directly with an NSP dispatcher.