SPOKANE, Wash. – Nighttime temperatures dipped below freezing overnight, turning wet roadways into icy hazards. Over the course of Friday morning, there have been numerous crashes in the Spokane area.
Washington State Patrol reported troopers had responded to at least 14 collisions on state routes since 6 a.m., all weather-related.
First responders have been on scene at crashes in Spokane Valley, north of Spokane near Deer Park, and west of Spokane near Medical Lake. Some of the crashes have caused congestion and slowed morning commuters due to blocked roads.
Westbound I-90 near Four Lakes, which was blocked due to a jackknifed semi-truck, reopened fully just before 8 a.m.
The full number of crashes in the area is unknown at this time, as is the number of injuries. Some of the crashes in the region have required a rescue response for extrications.
Washington State Department of Transportation has had crews out in the area since before 5 a.m. and are working to treat the roadways. Remember to give their crews plenty of room!
A spokesperson at WSDOT reminded drivers to slow down and drive for conditions. Though the roads may look clear, they’re incredibly slick.
“With light snow (and) freezing temperatures, drivers need to slow down,” they said. “Crews are out de-icing, but it is still the responsibility of the driver to slow speeds, give extra space between you and the vehicle in front, and give our plows space.”
For drivers, use extra caution on bridges and overpasses, as they are especially slick. As they’re surrounded on all sides by cold air, including beneath, they ice over even when temperatures are slightly above freezing.
Even if you are an excellent driver with snow tires equipped, be sure to take it slow today — you can never account for the skill of the drivers around you, so use caution.
