Freezing rain makes for tough travel

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Icy roads and sidewalks made it tough to get around just about anywhere in western New York Wednesday morning.

7:00 Wednesday morning. 198 East Bound. Rescue crews rushed Buffalo Police Officer Valerie Kelly to the hospital. The officer was standing next to her cruiser after responding to an accident when a second vehicle spun out of control on the icy roadway, and hit her.

Wednesday morning, drivers all over western New York ran into trouble, after a freezing rain coated the region with a dangerous sheet of ice. Pedestrians struggled too.

News 4's Lorey Schultz asked, "Why walk on the street rather than the sidewalk?"

Buffalo resident Ashante Harper said, "Um, because I feel it's safer rather than than falling."

Salt trucks were out early and often, but it wasn't enough. A car slid into the median on the 33.

A short time later, a vehicle wiped out a light pole near the "S" curves on Delaware. In Amherst, several dozen Heim Elementary School children were on board the bus when a car slammed into it. Their driver, and the other motorist were taken to the hospital.

Senior Traffic Investigator Carl Fischer said, "The car went out of control on icy pavement struck the bus, which was waiting to make a left on to John James Audubon Parkway."

"None of the kids were injured."

David Nowak (Getzville Fire Department) said, "I'm sure not all of them were happy in a bus accident. It was scary, but overall out of 30 students, every one handled it great."

The school district continues to stand by its decision to stay open, citing consultations with police and others who deemed the roadways safe for travel. Most students there are bussed.

Buffalo was among the school districts that that did close. Ice coated sidewalks were the reason. Many residents supported the decision, knowing most students walk to school.

Buffalo resident Sara Kirkland said, "These roads are trecherous, sidewalks are trecherous."

So, a frustrating start to the day for many motorists and pedestrians, after another blast of winter turned roads and sidewalks into an icy mess.