(INDIANAPOLIS) - An Indiana State Police trooper injured in a crash on Interstate 70 west of Plainfield is expected to recover, but police say the incident highlights a growing problem with driver behavior during winter weather.
According to State Police Sgt. John Perrine, the trooper was seated inside a patrol vehicle while investigating an earlier injury crash when another vehicle spun out and struck the rear of the squad car with significant force.
Perrine said troopers have responded to more than 500 crashes across the Indianapolis area in the past five days. In none of those cases were road conditions listed as the primary cause.
"We're tired of hearing the excuse that the roads are slick," Perrine said. "People need to adjust their driving to the conditions."
Police say drivers often fail to slow down or drive cautiously, even when roads appear clear but still contain icy patches. Perrine added that some crashes escalate into criminal investigations involving impaired driving, while others involve citations for speeding too fast for conditions.
"Please slow down," Perrine said. "The roads may look fine, but they're not."
State police continue to urge drivers to remain alert, reduce speed, and give extra space to emergency vehicles and roadside workers.