Nebraska Winter Storm Claims First Traffic Death

By: Courtesy: Nebraska State Patrol

Updated: Thu 11:38 AM, Feb 21, 2013

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A two vehicle crash on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County has claimed the life of a 19-year old Callaway woman.

Nebraska State Patrol officials say the crash happened Wednesday just before 4:30 p.m. on westbound Interstate-80 near the Giltner exit.

Nineteen-year-old Kristina Leigh Anne Allen of Callaway died when an eastbound SUV lost control of their vehicle, crossed the median, and struck her car.

The driver of the SUV, 28-year-old Lindsay Schluntz of Kearney was not injured. Both women were wearing seat belts. Troopers say weather was a factor in the crash.

As conditions change, motorists are reminded to adjust their speed and never travel faster than conditions allow. Slick surfaces make it difficult to steer and stop. Do not drive in slick, wet, snowy weather with your cruise control on. Motorists are also encouraged to give themselves plenty of time and distance to react to others around them. Be sure to exercise caution on bridges and overpasses, keep your headlights on and make sure they are cleaned off.

“With this winter storm, road conditions can change rapidly,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “It doesn’t take much to make your travel treacherous. We encourage everyone to keep abreast of the changing conditions and plan accordingly.”

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