Truckers urge patience as accidents increase

URBANDALE, Iowa -- Despite continued flurries on Monday, most main roads and highways in the state were cleared, though semi-truck drivers are urging caution for all motorists. Many experienced slippery driving conditions on their commute to work that morning. Des Moines Police reported 10 accidents along the I-235 corridor alone. The department received a total of 420 service calls and responded to 50 crashes over the weekend, while the Iowa State Patrol received almost 900 calls for service, including 210 crashes. A semi-truck driver, Joey Shepard, advised drivers to slow down and only take to the roads if necessary, emphasizing the importance of safety and patience. Shepard recounted being stuck due to icy conditions in Missouri and receiving help from a Department of Transportation staff member, highlighting the risks involved in winter driving. Another driver, Terryl Pierite, shared tips for safely passing semi-trucks during inclement weather, emphasizing the challenges truck drivers face with braking on slick roads. While the upcoming week is not expected to bring as much snowfall as the recent holiday weekend, dropping temperatures could lead to refreezing, resulting in continued slippery conditions across Iowa.