As the most recent winter storm blows through Moscow and the rest of the Pacific Northwest, common car accidents and violations have increased.
Although University of Idaho Assistant Vice President of Facilities Brian Johnson said this type of weather is common for Moscow winters, people should keep safe travel practices in mind while commuting.
“We’re quite fortunate,” said Casey Green of the Moscow Police Department. “The city was really ahead of (the snow) this time, in my opinion. They’ve been removing snow in the early morning hours and have started before the accumulations hit.”
Nonetheless, non-injury related accidents have increased. According to MPD, seven separate reports were made for traffic violations on Friday.
Cars parked along South Rayburn Street covered in snow.
Alex Brizee | Argonaut
As of noon Wednesday, at least 35 snow-related traffic violations occurred since Feb. 4. The accidents consist mostly of hit and runs, along with spin-outs and parking lot accidents.
“It’s been harder to get up on campus in my patrol car,” Green said. “I have to do some route-planning before I leave. I can’t go up on Line Street because it’s too steep for my car to start. I have to take this into account. It’s especially tough when classes are in session because that’s when people are out.”
Green said that city snow plows have cleared the roads to ensure local schools and businesses can remain open. However, the city of Moscow is not responsible for clearing the snow on University of Idaho’s campus. Students expressed frustration when UI remained open on Monday while WSU and local school districts closed for the day, starting a change.org petition to call for a closure.
“This isn’t wildly unusual winter weather,” Johnson said. “People need to take caution when commuting, whether they’re walking or traveling by car in campus or in town.”
UI closed campus 1:30 p.m. Wednesday to allow “employees to travel home safely,” according to a Vandal Notice.
Johnson said the impact of the snow is all a matter of perspective.
“For folks that routinely deal with snow, it’s just a part of their regular job,” Johnson said. “For most people on campus, it’s something different, though. The snow berms or slick areas are different for visitors on campus.”
Green and Johnson encourage students, faculty, staff and community members to keep winter travel safety in mind when walking and driving. Green said people should clear the snow from headlights and blinkers as well as their windows.
“(If you don’t), people can’t see when you’re signaling or if your headlights are on,” he said. “Take a moment or two to clear those off.”
According to the Weather Channel, Moscow was under a winter storm warning until 1 p.m. Wednesday, but snow showers are forecasted until Feb. 27.
“Stay calm, take your time, don’t get in a hurry,” Green said. “Appreciate the city and state for what they’re doing — and the county, too — they have a lot of ground to cover.”