Ice storm causes Saline wrecks

SALINE COUNTY -- Wednesday morning's early ice storm caused some traffic accidents, at least one of which resulted in two injuries.

According to Illinois State Police District 19, a two-car crash on College Road between Eldorado and Southeastern Illinois College was due in part to icy conditions.

At 9:04 a.m., Carson N. Carter, 20, of Carmi, was driving her 2016 Toyota Corolla north on College Road about 1 mile south of Kaid Road when she lost control of her vehicle on the icy roadway, according to ISP.

Her car slid into the southbound lane and struck a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu being driven by Hannah N. Pettijohn, 18, of Norris City.

After impact, both vehicles left the roadway, where they came to a stop. Both Carter and Pettijohn were taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Saline County Sheriff's Department, Eldorado Police Department, Med Force Ambulance Service, Opie's Towing, and S&E Towing.

Saline County Engineer Jeff Jones said that while crews worked on roads extensively, conditions were more difficult than usual.

"By early morning the skies cleared and the sun shone, masking the fact that black ice was present. Also, it was hard to predict where the black ice would be," Jones said. "Some oil-and-chip roads were essentially ice-free, even without be salted. Others, despite being salted, were very slick in spots. And, you may have the both conditions on the same road. It took a savvy driver to negotiate the hazards this morning."

Chemical application to treat roads prior to precipitation can be difficult to judge, Jones said.

Crews returned to roads that still had ice later in the morning, and by noon, problem spots were cleared, he said.