January 11, 2011

The winter blast is continuing to cause problems for drivers, as Highway Patrol says the cold weather contributes to car problems and accidents. Troopers say the conditions can be especially dangerous if people are stranded in the frigid temperatures.

The frigid temperatures were what drivers were talking about Tuesday, even as some roads remained snow packed.

"It's cold!" said Wichita driver Alan Gales.

"It is cold, especially when the wind gets blowing. It'll cut right through you like a knife," said Wichita driver Earl Murray.

Just like the ice and snow, the extreme cold was also causing problems for drivers, from those stranded in bitter wind chills, to those who had to stand outside and wait for a tow truck.

It's times like these when Highway Patrol says its Motorist Assist Vehicles come in handy.

"They're extended cab, 4-door cab trucks. So If they have to wait for awhile they can get the people inside where it's warm," said Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Gary Warner.

Highway Patrol says people who do have do drive in the extreme cold need to make sure there's enough gas in their tanks and air in their tires.

But they say one of the most important things drivers needed to remember Tuesday was to slow down, even as road conditions improved.

"That's what gets people into trouble, is when they see the dry pavement, they speed up, and then all of the sudden they get in a slick spot and tap their brakes and they lose control and go off the road," said Warner.

And Troopers say when it's bitterly cold, sliding off the road and getting stranded can not only be inconvenient, but dangerous.

Highway Patrol says one of the biggest problems with the cold temperatures they saw Tuesday was large commercial vehicles brake lines freezing up.