WASHINGTON- Severe winter weather across the region marks the potential for freeway closures, such as I-90 which closed eastbound for almost 14 hours on January 11.
Two semi-trucks getting stuck in the snow while trying to chain up led to drivers within a 28-mile stretch to be stuck in their cars overnight. With temperatures close to single digits and wind chill that could be in the negatives, Washington State Patrol says to prepare yourselves if you are making any long drives during the winter.
Trooper Jeremy Weber says during the 14-hour closure, many drivers were frustrated at playing the waiting game to get through.
“There was a lot of frustration out there, we saw that, we understand but there comes a point when there’s only so much we can do on our end,” says Trooper Weber. “Sub-zero temperatures and I’ve worked through it-I know exactly what that feels like and it’s tough. It’s a long night.”
WSP suggests winter-time drivers to ensure every car has warm blankets, water and food to survive up to three days in your car in case of emergency.
“Until you’re involved in something like that, you kinda get that little bit of a scare–it doesn’t sink in,” says Weber. “You should always-if you’re gonna be out traveling these roads this time of year you should always have extra means with you.”
Weber says in his car, he also carries a sleeping bag and hand powered radios and suggests crosswords, books or other non-electronic entertainment to keep you going.
He also suggests making sure your car is properly prepared with traction tires when necessary and has enough gas. He suggests keeping your gas tank above half when traveling the winter.
“If you are stuck in bumper-to-bumper and you need to have your car running you might want to make sure you have plenty of fuel so you can keep that heater going,” says Trooper Weber.
In closures like this one, 14 hours can cause headaches with no facilities to use. WSP says if bodily fluids have to be relieved, they won’t cite you for doing it on the side of the road.
“Where the law changes a little bit is if you are exposed,” says Trooper Weber. “If somebody can see you and you’re exposed, that’s a different story so do the best that you can to do what you gotta do and do it safe.”
If you find yourself stuck in a closure, WSP and Washington State Department of Transportation crews will be working around you, but will likely be unavailable to provide updates to every car. It’s recommended to check in on their social media pages for updates on when the closure will be cleared.
