Flooding, Storm Debris, Increase Risk of Joplin Car Accidents after Deadly Tornado

The recent devastating tornado comes with a long laundry list of after affects for residents. For some families, the end seems to be too far to reach. The superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Colonel Ron Replogle, would like to remind our residents that flash flooding will continue to affect our safety on the roadways. Because of the recent heavy rains, flash flooding can be expected over the next few weeks.

Additionally, debris, downed power lines and any number of other dangerous obstacles can increase the risk of Joplin car accidents.

"The flooding situation in Southern Missouri has turned deadly," stated Col. Replogle. "The Missouri State Highway Patrol has conducted approximately 18 water rescues. Many of the roads in the southern portion of the state which are near or crossover waterways are still under water and should be considered impassable and extremely dangerous to cross."

Our Joplin car accident attorneys recognize the magnitude of the damage resulting from this recent tornado and our hearts go out to those tornado victims who may be suffering great loss and damages.

Drivers are asked to be extra cautious behind the wheel. After this type of catastrophic storm, traffic signals may be out and debris or power lines may be in the road. It is also not uncommon for cars to have suffered unseen damages as a result of the storm.

Law enforcement has places barricades to close specific roadways. These barricades are there to protect residents and keep them out of dangerous areas. Drivers are required to respect these barriers and barricades put in place by Missouri Department of Transportation. Officials would like to remind you that it is not only extremely dangerous to drive around these road blocks, but it is a violation of state law as well.

Following the recent storms in Georgia, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a warning to emergency responders; similar safety advice will likely be forthcoming from our regional office.

"Emergency response should not put you in the hospital emergency room," said Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator. "Storm recovery work encompasses a wide range of safety and health hazards, which can be minimized by knowledge, safe work practices and personal protective equipment."

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, cleanup efforts can involve restoring electricity, communications, water and sewer services, removal of floodwater from structures, cleaning up debris, tree-trimming, structural repair, roadway and bridge repair; use of cranes, aerial lifts and other heavy equipment and repair of dams and levees.

Citizens face many of the same risks.

MoDOT offers you these tips to help keep you safe and out of trouble until relief efforts have been completed and the area deemed safe:

-Never, ever, drive through fast-moving water. Even the smallest amount of fast-moving water can have the power to sweet a slow-moving vehicle.

-If your vehicle gets caught in rising water, exit the vehicle quickly and move to higher ground.

-Keep your headlights on and use your windshield wipers. The lights will help you to remain visible to other motorists.