Bypass bad, as usual, during winter weather
Bypass bad, as usual, during winter weather Save Email Print
Posted: 4:30 PM Jan 14, 2009
 Last Updated: 6:28 PM Jan 14, 2009
12 comments
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Meantime, some Michiana drivers were dodging cars stuck in snow banks, or getting stuck themselves.

The bypass, as always, was a prime spot for slide-offs.

Police say many people were driving too fast for the slippery road conditions.

This crash happened near Mayflower Road, at a blind curve, putting emergency personnel at risk to oncoming traffic.

Police say this can all be easily avoided.

"We hate to be repetitive but we want people to slow down give themselves time, the road conditions are horrible right now especially out here on the bypass where we are now, and the future doesn't look to promising for the weather so everyone just slow down use some common sense and drive safe," says Sgt. Bill Redman of the St. Joe County police department.

Police say there were a number of slide-offs and multi-car crashes throughout St. Joseph County Wednesday.

So far, no serious injuries have been reported.
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Posted by: Ron Location: Elkhart on Jan 15, 2009 at 09:48 PM
I've got to agree with Donna here. My guess is the majority of accidents are caused by people driving a responsible speed of 45-55 on the bypass, and coming up on much slower vehicles. The fault is with both parties. Those driving too slow really have no business on the road. Those driving at a reasonable speed should be looking way ahead of themselves. Too often, the faster party comes up on a unreasonably slow vehicle and does not recognize until too late. They tap the brakes, and it's slide off time. Unfortunately, the slower party gets to carry on their merry way, and are not blamed for the accident. In essence, Defensive driving 101 look ahead people
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 15, 2009 at 02:33 PM
I have been on the bypass all week and it is not too bad. People just need to take their time!!!! oh yeah and Ms. Donna if you don't like people going to slow then stay off the bypass, b/c not everyone goes 40-45 in the snow!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Donna Location: South Bend on Jan 15, 2009 at 10:07 AM
I drive the by-pass everyday. Not only are people driving to fast....what about the idiots who are driving too slow- ?? I am sorry but if you cannot drive over 30 on the by-pass stay off of it. You are a danger to those of us who have slowed down .....but still need to get where we are going. Today and yesterday I drove between 40-45- going slower on the curves and bridges as needed. I also try to stay put in one lane.....then you get behind an idiot driving 25 and have to pass ....stay off the road if your scared.
Posted by: Jan on Jan 15, 2009 at 09:29 AM
Because the By-Pass is notorious for slippery conditions when the weather is bad I make it a policy to stay off it. It might take me longer to get from point A to point B but its not worth dealing with the crazy people who want to continue to drive 65 MPH or faster on snow and ice. We've had winter weather to deal with for 2 months...you would think people would have learned how to drive in this stuff by now. Its not rocket science...its common sense! When the road conditions are questionable leave a little eariler and slow down, you are less apt to end up off the road or in an accident. If the road you take normally is in bad shape take another route to your destination.
Posted by: Rich Location: South Bend on Jan 15, 2009 at 08:37 AM
I drive the bypass everyday as well, it is always in great shape. I am amazed at how well the keep the road clear of snow. The main streets weren't too bad yesterday, but the side roads are pretty bad. I live down Fellows and it is just a sheet of ice. I know it is too cold for salt now, but maybe salt three or four days ago would have helped. The police are right just slow down. If you feel yourself slipping at all, it is usually a clue that you are going too fast! If you aren't smart enough to figure that out, don't worry, I will laugh at you as i creep on by at a safe speed while you are calling a tow truck!
Posted by: anonymous Location: South Bend on Jan 15, 2009 at 07:52 AM
because of these hard times salt workers have gone from 120 to 40 because of cuts...so dont think they are not working their butts off.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 14, 2009 at 10:43 PM
My earlier comment was not posted. The problem is not the street crews. I will not deny there is a lack of money for salt on roads if we REALLY needed it. But, honestly, although the roads are not always good, times are not as I remember them as a kid 30 years ago. People just do not drive responsibly now. I specifically mean like Indy 500! Excessive speed does not mix on icy pavement. Is the common sense taught in Drivers Ed anymore? Someone, please clue me in! I am on the road all of the time in St.Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaGrange, LaPorte, & ccasionally other outlining areas. Honestly sad as it is, the biggest problem is just people driving too fast or not paying attention (85% of those I see are not paying attention is due to cellphone usage). You can tell from if YOU ARE PAYING attention to them! That's the other thing-is Defensive Driving taught anymore to counteract those who do drive recklessly or irresponsibly? Please enlighten me!
Posted by: Todd Location: Mishawaka on Jan 14, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Kevin, you can have all the salt you want...it does not work in 7 degree temps like it has been all day.
Posted by: J. Location: Elkhart on Jan 14, 2009 at 07:34 PM
I’ve been a licensed driver for over 20 yrs and have made a daily commute on the by-pass for the past 7. Not once in the past 7 years have I experience issues driving the by-pass from Elkhart all the way to SR 23. For me the key has been to pick a lane and stay put. I’ve watched tons of cars slide off in front of and behind me while driving that stretch of road (about 20 last winter and 15 or so already this winter) and in every case it was during a lane change. People think that they can change lanes on snow and slush covered roads like they do on dry pavement then they slide a tiny bit, over-correct and before they know it they are ditch bound. When will people understand that when they jockey for a position they aren’t going to get anywhere any faster… one tends to lose momentum when they are stuck in those steep embankments along the by-pass….
Posted by: Disturbed Location: South Bend on Jan 14, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Telling people to slow down is like beating a dead horse..you can do it all day long and it's still not gonna do what you want it to..I honestly don't believe cell phones are the issue..It plainly overconfidence and a total and complete lack of common sense!
Posted by: Kevin Location: South Bend on Jan 14, 2009 at 06:47 PM
I agree with the first poster. However, I havent seen the road mantainance, this bad in my 38 yrs of living in this South Bend/St.Joe co. Makes me wonder, when Mitch Daniels speaks on how well the state is doing finacially. Could it be that the consequence of the State's fiscal bliss has anything to do with how local municipalities are struggling? Could we please have some salt here Mitch? It is wintertime in Indiana!
Posted by: John Location: Mishawaka on Jan 14, 2009 at 05:00 PM
You would think that after 2 months of snow people would slow down on snow covered roads. Maybe if they got off their cell phone they would realize the roads are iced over.

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