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  • Slick road conditions and speed may be a contributing factor to this accident near Quick Trip in Claremore. PROGRESS PHOTO/Salesha Wilken

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February 13, 2012

Emergency Management responds to nearly 20 calls for help in Rogers County

Tom Fink Claremore Progress

CLAREMORE — While meteorologists can predict the weather with a certain amount of accuracy, there’s rarely any way to foretell how people are going to react to it, most notably, drivers.

But that doesn’t stop Bob Anderson from trying.

As director of Rogers County Emergency Management, Anderson has had his hands fuller than most Monday morning, answering calls for help from around the county from motorists stranded because of weather-related causes.

“From about midnight to noon (Monday), we’ve had maybe 20 calls for assistance from drivers who’ve gone off the road or into a ditch because of the (slick) roads,” Anderson said. “Despite the slicker-than-usual conditions, in each of these instances, the accidents have been due to human error — simply put: People going too fast and driving at speeds excessive, given the road conditions.”

As forecast by local meteorologists, temperatures remained low overnight, with snow moving through Claremore and across Rogers County, leaving slick streets and school closings in its wake.

“Really, there’s been no area that’s been reported as being worse than any other,” Anderson said. “We’ve gotten reports of motorists going off into ditches from East (Highway) 20 to north SH66 and south SH66 — it’s been pretty slick all over the county, and some people just haven’t been observing this, driving too fast for the conditions, and finding themselves stuck.”

Although the cold temperatures are expected to give way to higher ones, Anderson advised avoiding being on the road if possible, but if one must, to drive sensibly and recognize the need to slow down.

“Snow and ice is nothing new to Oklahoma, so drivers here should be accustomed to driving on both, but sometimes, they still need reminding,” Anderson said. “Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going, expect delays, when you have to stop, tap the brakes, don’t slam on them, if you feel yourself “slipping,” lighten up on the wheel as it’s too easy to try and overcorrect — that’s a good way to get into an accident, and it’s a common mistake — and on days like today, it’s always good to have a ‘ready kit’ with you, with blankets, non-perishable food and water, a flashlight, etc. in case you do get stuck.”

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