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Columbia Missourian

Drivers still face rough sledding

By ROBYN CORRELL
December 4, 2006 | 12:00 a.m. CST

Streets reopen, but public safety officials urge caution

As Missouri residents get ready to climb out of sleds and into car seats after last week’s paralyzing snowfall, Columbia and Boone County officials are asking drivers to slow down.

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After sitting idle on Friday, school buses have been cleared of snow and were expected to be in service this morning. (STEVE BARTEL/Missourian)

Columbia Public Schools planned to hold regular classes today, with school buses operating on special snow routes. Information about the routes is available at the district’s Web site at www.columbia.k12.mo.us.

All city offices are also scheduled to be open.

Meanwhile, crews continued to work to clear away the snow, but officials said that roads remain hazardous and that drivers need to be prepared.

City and county officials offered these tips:

  • Slow down — especially at icy intersections.

    • “When you come to intersections, people will fly through them,” said Division Chief Gale Blomenkamp of the Boone County Fire Protection District. “When the light turns green, make sure nobody is make sure nobody is coming from other directions (before going).”

  • Approach intersections with caution and leave plenty of space between vehicles.

    • “Intersections are where the majority of traffic crashes occur because motorists are driving too fast, not allowing enough time to stop or don’t pay attention,” Blomenkamp and Columbia Fire Department Battalion Chief Steve Sapp wrote in a news release.

    Blomenkamp said 34 car accidents had been reported in Boone County from Thursday through Sunday afternoon. Nearly all were related to the weather, he said.

  • Car pool. If you don’t have much experience driving in snow, officials said, consider using mass transit or riding with someone with more experience driving in snow and ice.

  • Watch out for other drivers by driving defensively, keeping an eye on drivers all around you.

  • Check on your neighbors, especially those who can’t leave home. If someone you know needs to have meals or medication brought to them, or has home health care concerns, encourage them to contact social services agencies.

  • Plan ahead. Some school and public buses may only run on designated snow routes.

  • If walking, watch motorists closely and walk on the streets only if it’s necessary.

    • “Be careful walking on the streets themselves,” Blomenkamp said. “Pay close attention so that you don’t fall down in front of a vehicle, and a vehicle doesn’t slide down into you.”

  • Be patient and allow plenty of time for travel. Officials recommend at least 30 to 60 minutes extra, depending on the destination.

    • “People need to get up and get going early,” Blomenkamp said. “Don’t rush.”