Authorities Remind Drivers of Slick Conditions as Many See First Snow Fall

By: Adam Uhernik - Email

Updated: Fri 5:34 AM, Oct 26, 2012

"It is a dangerous time to drive, but you just have to use caution, and use common sense." - Semi-Truck Driver, Leslie Miller

Authorities say when the first snow flakes fly they see more accidents out on the roads.

One semi truck driver says she already went through many slick areas in Nebraska on her way to Grand Island on Thursday, which is when many people saw their first snow fall.

"After you get passed Ogalala Nebraska the roads are icy slushy they were working on them," said Semi-Truck Driver Leslie Miller.

She says it takes an entire football field to stop her semi in good conditions, even longer in poor conditions. Which is why she says to leave plenty of space for drivers you come up on, and people coming up behind you.

"It is a dangerous time to drive, but you just have to use caution, and use common sense," said Miller.

Authorities agree. Although some roads aren't slick now, drizzling rain snow and other factors could change the conditions quickly.

"You just want to be prepared in case you would get stuck some where out in the middle of no where," said Grand Island Police Officer Butch Hurst.

Officer Hurst says being prepared is having winter gear in your vehicle, like a sleeping bag, some food, and water. Especially if you are traveling outside of town.

"If the weather is that bad, then you need to get to the nearest place and just park it," said Hurst.

Hurst says the best advice, when the roads get bad, if you don't have to go out stay at home.

"Usually within twenty four hours our streets and places here are cleared," said Hurst.

During poor conditions police say it's always a good idea to slow down, something Leslie Miller says more people need to do in bad driving weather