The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) in conjunction with the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) rescued three people who were stranded in vehicles on Highway 34 in Cass County, Nebraska.

Shortly before 10:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2010, a dispatcher with the Nebraska State Patrol received a call from a woman indicating her son’s pickup had become stuck on Highway 34 about 10 miles west of Union, Nebraska. The caller also indicated a female whose vehicle had also became stuck in the same area, was now in her son’s pickup and was beginning to exhibit signs of frostbite. Another caller indicated a delivery truck with one person inside was stuck in the same vicinity.

Three troopers along with a snow plow operator from NDOR formed a caravan reaching the stranded motorist just before midnight. The male and female in the pickup were transported by troopers to a waiting rescue unit from Nehawka, Nebraska and taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City for treatment. The driver of the delivery truck was not injured and able to follow the snow plow and troopers out of the area.

“These folks are extremely lucky we were able to get to them,” said Field Services Commander, Major Russ Stanczyk. “Weather conditions like the ones we have been experiencing can be life threatening. Until things change we would encourage motorists to take necessary precautions before making travel plans.”

In a 24-hour period on Thursday, January 6, 2010, troopers responded to 211 motorist assists statewide.

On Friday, January 08, 2010, travel remained extremely difficult and was not recommended on many highways across eastern Nebraska due to blowing and drifting snow.

The Nebraska State Patrol issues the following reminders for motorists traveling in extreme winter weather conditions:

-Use well traveled routes and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
-Let others know where you are going, when you will arrive, and what route you are taking
-If you do become stranded while traveling, stay with your car until help arrives. Wind chill and freezing temperatures can be life threatening.
-If your vehicle does become stuck, run your motor sparingly and keep a window cracked to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
Carry a red flag or bandana in your car and attach to the outside to signal you are in trouble.
-Be sure to include a winter weather survival kit in your vehicle as you travel.

The following are some basic items to keep in your car in case you become stranded in wintry weather:
-Emergency first aid kit
-Ice scraper, shovel, small bag of sand
-Three pound coffee can
-Matches and candles
-Blankets or sleeping bag
-High energy or dehydrated foods
-Jumper cables
-Flashlight
-Battery Operated radio
-Extra batteries (cold weather reduces battery strength)

Motorists in need of emergency roadside assistance can call the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline when safe to do so by dialing *55 from any cell phone or 1080-525-5555 from any landline.

The statewide 511 system should be utilized to check weather and road conditions. The system can be accessed by dialing 511 from any cell phone or landline or via the internet at 511nebraska.org.