Motorists traveling in winter weather conditions are reminded to acclimate with the changing weather and road conditions, as a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 in Hamilton County has claimed the life of a 19-year-old Callaway woman.
The crash occurred just before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on westbound Interstate 80 near the Giltner exit. The Nebraska State Patrol says a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer was eastbound on I-80 when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The SUV crossed the median and struck a 2000 Saturn. Both vehicles came to rest in the north ditch.
The driver of the Saturn, Kristina Leigh Anne Allen, 19, of Callaway, died in the crash. The driver of the SUV, Lindsay D. Schluntz, 28, of Kearney, was not injured. Both women were wearing seat belts. Troopers say weather was a factor in the crash.
Several resources for motorists are available, including dialing 511 or logging onto www.511.nebraska.gov or the 511 Mobile Traveler Site at http://www.ndortraveler.mobi.
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.”