INDIANAPOLIS Marion County officials upgraded the local travel status to a Travel Watch Sunday as a winter storm continues to batter central Indiana, marking the second level of emergency travel restrictions.Under a Travel Watc h, conditions are considered threatening to public safety. Only essential travel such as commuting to work or responding to emergencies is recommended during the watch status. Overnight crash surgeThe dangerous conditions led to a significant spike in traffic incidents across Indianapolis overnight, according to Indiana State Police Sgt. Perrine.In Marion County and surrounding counties, overnight crash numbers included: 78 crashes, including 10 with injuries 16 slide-offs 27 motorist assists for disabled vehiclesOfficials are actively monitoring road conditions and may escalate Marion County's travel status as the storm progresses. Indiana uses three travel status levels: Advisory, Watch and Warning.Safety recommendationsFor those who must travel, officials recommend: Drive with extreme caution Allow extra travel time Leave plenty of room between vehicles, including snowplows Notify family or friends upon arrival Keep vehicles fueled Carry emergency supplies including blankets, a small shovel, charged phoneFor minor property-damage accidents, drivers should exchange information and continue on their way. Weather impacts may delay first responder and tow truck response times.Call 911 only for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 311.View current travel advisories and definitions at www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/. ...read more read less