Since the snow started falling on Sunday night, troopers were busy clearing roads of crashed, abandoned and disabled motorists in District 1, covering Pierce and Thurston Counties.

Yesterday, Monday the 22nd, the state patrol alone had 179 collisions reported in Pierce County from 5 a.m. to midnight on the state highways. Following is a breakdown and explanation of the type of collisions:

- (36) Reportable collisions; either significant damage to a vehicle, an injury or both, 12 of the 35 were minor injuries and one was a fatality
- (93) Non-reportable collisions; very little to no damage and no injury
- (50) Unable to locate collisions; troopers were dispatched to the scene of a crash but were unable to find the involved party or parties.  This is usually a motorist who “spun out” or went in the ditch and reported it, then left.

So far today in Pierce County the state patrol has had 83 collisions reported from midnight to 3 pm:

(17) reportable collisions with 1 injury
(51) non-reportable collisions
(15) unable to locate collisions

In Thurston County yesterday, the 22nd, troopers responded to a total of 78 collisions between 1 a.m. and midnight:

(21) reportable collisions with 1 injury
(43) non-reportable collisions
(14) unable to locate collisions

So far today in Thurston County the state patrol has responded to 27 collisions reported from 1 a.m. to 1 pm:

(13) reportable collisions with 3 injury
(5) non-reportable collisions
(9) unable to locate collisions

As troopers continue to keep the roadways safe motorists are reminded to do their part in keeping the roadways safe as well. Today many motorists have picked the speed back up and are involved in collisions as a result of going too fast, hitting the “slush” on the shoulders and in between the lanes and losing control. Motorists should still continue to slow down, be patient, and continue to double the appropriate following distance.

Weather reports are showing more snow and ice through the holiday weekend. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a very informative website, www.dot.wa.gov , with up to date roadway driving conditions and winter driving tips. Always check the weather report before traveling, whether short or long distance by going to the DOT website or calling 511.  Have your car “winter ready” by checking the tread on your tire, checking the anti-freeze, cables, oil, etc. All travelers should pack extra clothes, water, and food in the vehicle in case you become stranded or get stuck in backups.  Expect to encounter delays in traffic while traveling during adverse weather.

The last and most important reminder to motorists is if you are involved in a collision immediately pull to the right shoulder and call 911 for assistance. In some cases you may be asked to exchange information with the other driver and then continue. If this is the case, go to a safe location (parking lot, rest area, etc) to do so.  If you are asked to wait for law enforcement to arrive, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.  If you need to put chains on your car or take chains off, go to a safe location (parking lot, rest area, etc.). DO NOT take chains off or put them on, on the side of a roadway. Take your time and be safe and prepared this winter!