Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 10, 2016
Slick Roads and Black Ice Cause Multiple Accidents in Middle Tennessee
Many school systems and businesses in the Middle Tennessee area are closed on Wednesday due to the accumulation of snow and ice on roadways, and many drivers who ventured out this morning found themselves stuck or being involved in accidents.
According to a report by wkrn.com, Blackman Road in South Nashville was closed Tuesday morning and police had to request that TDOT salt truck drivers give the roadway extra attention due to the number of incidents in the area.
Because the snowfall lasted throughout the day and night on Tuesday, even treated roads stayed slick—especially as temperatures continued to fall.
A man from Hartsville, Tennessee, was involved in an accident on the slick roads in the south Nashville area Tuesday night when he drove over a slick spot on Old Hickory Boulevard near Barton Vale Drive and lost control of his truck. The truck then began to slide across the roadway before driving up and over a nearby embankment.
Police are warning drivers to continue using caution on Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for at least another day.
3 Tips to Remember If You Lose Control of Your Vehicle on Ice
Losing control of your vehicle can be a terrifying experience. One second you’re driving and in full control, and the next second your vehicle may be in the process of spinning out or drifting into the path of other vehicles or even oncoming traffic. While the sudden loss of control may cause many drivers to panic, it’s important to remain calm and know that there are several things you can do to minimize your risk and shorten the amount of time it takes to regain control of your vehicle.
When your vehicle begins to slide on ice, the last thing you should do is accelerate or attempt to “drive out of it.” If your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes, gently press the brake pedal with your foot completely off the accelerator. The antilock brake system will prevent the brakes from losing their effectiveness despite the vehicle’s tires losing traction. However, pressing too hard on your brakes may cause you to lose even more control over your vehicle.
If you do lose control of your vehicle and begin skidding or sliding, steer in the same direction that the back of your vehicle is pointing. That means that if you lose control and the back end of your vehicle begins to skid or slide to the right, you should also steer to the right in order to regain control.
Accidents can happen no matter how many safety precautions you follow. If you’re involved in an accident due to ice or snow accumulation on the roadway, stay in your vehicle and call 911 to both report the accident and to receive medical attention. Getting out of your vehicle can be dangerous due to freezing temperatures and the risks caused by other drivers potentially losing control of their vehicles near you.
The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law know that winter weather is a major risk factor for collisions in Middle Tennessee. Although the Tennessee Department of Transportation treats the major roadways before and during winter storms, they can remain slick if temperatures stay below freezing and snow continues to fall. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to be prepared for the possibility of losing control of their vehicles when driving to and from work or school.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver during a winter storm in Nashville, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Let our legal team put its 20 years of experience to work for your family. Dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
