A mix of ice and fresh snow began to take its toll on ISU students and staff Thursday with increasingly slippery sidewalks.

William Robinson, professor of philosophy and religious studies, was one of the first to experience the dangerous walking conditions when he slipped and fell at 3:45 p.m. near the west side of the Jischke Honors Building.

Robinson was initially attended to by Tim Hanson of the Ames Fire Department before he received full medical attention. The initial response from Robinson was that his condition was stable, but an injury to the right side of his back may have been sustained.

“I think I will be all right – it’s just a little sore right now on the right side of my back,” Robinson said.

Although his back was injured, Robinson was able to move all of his limbs and had no sign of neck or back pain. He was immediately transported to Mary Greeley Medical Center to receive additional medical attention.

“When we have weather like this, no doubt, it increases the activity level of our officers on the street,” said Ames Police Cmdr. Jim Robinson. “Any time the roads become slick like this, numerous accidents have taken place and our officers respond to them.”

He said most of the accidents have been minor and occurred because drivers were going too fast.

“There are some minor injuries and, again, a lot of property damage,” he said.

Besides accidents, Cmdr. Robinson said other things occur as the results of storms – such as Ames’ snow ordinance, which was put in effect at noon Thursday.

“We would ask that everyone be mindful of where they’re parked, and to be sure to move their vehicles,” he said.

Cmdr. Robinson said he recommended staying off of the streets in possible.

“But if you’re in the need to travel somewhere, just allow extra time and keep your speed down,” he said.

Cmdr. Robinson said the police department has squad cars with front- and rear-wheel drive and snow tires.

“We also have access to four-wheel drive vehicles through our street department if the need should arise,” he said.

Organizations sometimes call the department for advice when they are considering canceling events, Cmdr. Robinson said.

“Ultimately, it’s their decision on whether an event is canceled or not,” he said.