Road concerns, weather-related accidents during first winter storm in Michiana

GRANGER, Ind. — Drivers across Michiana were out on the road on Monday as the snow and temperatures fell. 

Crews in South Bend are working 12-hour shifts to clear the roads, according to the Public Works Department. St. Joseph County officials told ABC 57 News that at noon on Monday partial crews began plowing the first round of snow. 

But Tuesday, November 12 at 5 a.m. the full fleet is expected to be out on the roads that are sure to be covered with Monday night’s lake effect snow. 

“It’s wet it’s slick you gotta be a little careful,” Brandon Slates, who was driving in Mishawaka on Monday. “My girlfriend was driving down Ironwood she said so you just gotta pay attention out there.”

Although the roads in South Bend and county stayed pretty clear throughout the day on Monday, first responders were sent out to several weather-related accidents. 

“From this morning up until now approximately 20 or so accidents,” said Cpl. Aris Lee, with the St. Joseph County Police Department. 

Cpl. Lee said he wouldn’t call Monday’s winter storm ‘dangerous’ for drivers, but he did mention a concern for the department as more snow comes and temperatures fall Monday night. 

“The main precaution right now is traveling over any type of bridge cause those or the first things that freeze over,” he said. 

Cpl. Lee shared the following tips for drivers: 

• Give yourself time to get to your destination.
• Put enough space between your car and the one in front of you. 
• Drive slow.