* From the ISP…

– Illinois State Police officials are reminding motorists of the potentially dangerous road conditions as hazardous weather conditions continue. Roadways throughout Illinois will be icy, and motorists are urged to reduce speeds and drive with caution.

Illinois State Police officials are especially warning motorists traveling on I-55 near the Bloomington and Lexington areas of hazardous road conditions due to ice and snow covered roadways.

Motorists should monitor the road conditions before driving and remember to keep emergency items inside the vehicle. Speed is a contributing factor for accidents when conditions are wet and slick and drivers should reduce speeds and allow for extra travel time.

Illinois State Police also want to remind motorists to yield to emergency and snow removal equipment. It is the law (Scott’s Law) to proceed with due caution, change lanes if possible, and reduce your speed.

Stranded motorists are encouraged to remain inside their vehicles and wait for first responders if stranded. Motorists involved in accidents that require no emergency care may file an accident report within 10 days at the nearest police station.

A complete list of road closures can be found on the Illinois Department of Transportation website www.gettingaroundillinois.com or 1-800-452-4368. [Emphasis in original.]

* The Bloomington area is, indeed bad. There tons of wrecks today…

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center is currently treating seven patients from the car wreck that occurred on I-55 involving approximately 40 vehicles.

The last patient has been transported from the scene of the car wreck and OSF St. Joseph Medical Center is not expecting any additional patients from the I-55 wreck.

All seven patients are non-critical and are currently being treated for their injuries sustained from the wreck. None have been discharged at this time.

* And there is also sad news…

Michael Holmes, a 49-year old Illinois Department of Transportation employee from Wyoming, was killed Friday morning when he was struck by a car. The accident happened shortly after 9:30 a.m. two miles west of Toulon on Route 17.

According to a preliminary accident report and witness accounts at the scene, Holmes was driving a snowplow truck. He stopped on the highway and got out.

An SUV driven by Sherry Landergren of Kewanee approached the truck and attempted to pass it.

The collision occurred when a car driven by Donald Rhoades of Toulon approached. Both drivers lost control and started to slide on the snow-covered road.
The Rhoades vehicle spun around and struck the snowplow and Holmes before sliding into the northside ditch and coming to rest in a field.

Landergren’s vehicle skidded into the same field.

* From Gov. Quinn…

Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding the Friday morning Stark County accident that killed Illinois Department of Transportation employee, 49-year-old Michael Holmes of Wyoming, Ill.:

“Michael Holmes is a hero. He gave his life while making our roads safer for his fellow citizens. Michael selflessly faced challenging conditions every winter since 2007 so the rest of us could arrive safely at our destinations.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow employees during this difficult time.

“I am ordering the state’s flags to be flown at half-staff so all Illinois citizens can be reminded of Michael’s dedication and sacrifice.”