A series of crashes and slide-offs were reported across Champaign County on Monday morning as slick and icy road conditions created hazardous travel throughout the morning. All reports are from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office
Shortly after 6 a.m., deputies were dispatched to 5164 W. U.S. Route 36 after a vehicle slid into a ditch near the intersection with Runkle Road. The driver, Mikaila Smith, told deputies she was northbound on Runkle Road and attempted to stop at the posted stop sign but slid on ice through the intersection and into the ditch. A tow truck removed the vehicle, which sustained only minimal damage to a plastic engine guard. No injuries were reported.
About 30 minutes later, another slide-off was reported in the 12000 block of State Route 4. The driver had slid off the snowy roadway into a yard. No damage or injuries were reported, and a tow truck was called to assist.
Around 9:45 a.m., deputies responded to the intersection of State Route 55 and Valley Pike in Mad River Township for a semi stuck partially in the roadway. The semi, hauling a water tanker trailer, had slid off and was blocking part of the road. Hogans Towing removed the truck, and no injuries were reported.
At approximately 10:46 a.m., a deputy clearing another call observed an Amazon delivery truck off the roadway near South Ludlow Road and East State Route 29. The driver, identified as Fredrick Owuor, said the truck slid into a ditch while attempting to turn left onto Ludlow Road. He reported no injuries and no damage to the vehicle. A tow truck was already en route.
At approximately 10:54 a.m., deputies were dispatched to Millerstown-Eris Road at Zimmerman Road in St. Paris for a Kia Soul that had slid into trees along the south side of the roadway. The driver, Donna Elson, reported the vehicle slid on ice before leaving the roadway. The car sustained a flat tire and minor body damage. She declined a crash report, and a tow company removed the vehicle.
Authorities remind motorists to use caution during winter weather conditions, reduce speeds, and allow extra stopping distance when roadways are icy.
