Snow storm brings poor driving conditions to county

COLFAX - The Whitman County Sheriff's Office assisted the Washington State Patrol in responding to a semi-truck rollover on SR 195 milepost 42m near Crumbaker road.

Whitman County Undersheriff Chris Chapman stated that the Whitman County Deputy showed up first, and that the deputy was told the driver had been trapped in the vehicle, "once we arrived, he was standing on the side of the road," Chapman said.

There were 16 slide offs from Thursday, Dec. 8 to Saturday, Dec. 10 due to the storm, Chapman confirmed.

"We did notice a couple early on accidents where the tires were inadequate," Chapman said about the first our second snow storms, "They were very low on their tread," he added, noting that drivers should make sure they've got water and blankets, and cell phones are charged.

Department of Transportation Communications Manager, Ryan Overton did not know anything about the Semi-Truck rollover, but stated that people should realize that driving for the conditions is really important. "Maintain control of your vehicle, especially during adverse weather," Overton said, adding that the safest place to be is behind a plow, and to not pass plows which can cause white out conditions.

"Give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going," Chapman said concerning how people should drive in the weather conditions, noting that this will give you enough time to slow down and react.