C.R. Accidents Pile Up With First Major Snowfall

By Josh Hinkle, Anchor/Reporter

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By Josh Hinkle

Story Created: Dec 3, 2008 at 5:19 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 3, 2008 at 6:22 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - The words "it's the southbound rest area for a vehicle in the ditch" blare over Cedar Rapids Police Officer Josh Bell's scanner.

Bell says, "Working on the first day is not where I really want to be right now."

Wednesday marked the start of Bell's sixth snowy season with the force.

He calls back, "There's an accident at Wilson and Edgewood."

Accidents like that one piled up as his day pressed on, the flakes kept falling, and drivers didn't slow down. 32 wrecks this morning alone. Bell says most happened because drivers just weren't ready for these road conditions.

John Dusek, a Cedar Rapids driver, says, "I just came off I-380. There's been a few interesting experiences out there today."

TV9 picked an empty parking lot to test how difficult it is to stop on snow at the normal speed limit of 35 mph. Our station vehicle slid 52 feet after we hit the brakes.

Bell says slowing down will prevent most problems.

"Some of these guys with four-wheel drive, they think they can still drive around like a maniac."

But even those playing it safe are subject to the snow. He's patrolled these slick streets long enough now to rack up his own embarrassing stories.

He recalls, "I go to move the car, and I get stuck right away because of the snow. And I go 'knock knock knock.' Hey, can you come out and help me move my squad car?'"

He adds that drivers should stay off the road, if you can. No one is immune to this weather, not even the police.

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