Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 20, 2016
THP Responds to Nearly 100 Crashes in Middle TN Wednesday Morning
Winter weather arrived during the early morning hours of Wednesday, bringing snow and ice to the area—which in turn caused dangerous driving conditions and dozens of accidents.
According to a report by wsmv.com, the Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to 97 non-injury crashes between midnight and 11:30 a.m. and 34 crashes with injuries during the same timeframe. THP troopers also assisted 46 drivers who were stranded or who needed help due to the bad weather Wednesday morning.
TDOT was out in full force ahead of the storm to treat roads in Middle Tennessee. A total of 30 salt trucks were used in the Nashville Metro area with 200 total serving the 26 counties in the mid-state area.
Accidents occurred at high frequent throughout Middle Tennessee Wednesday morning, with several being reported in Franklin along I-65 near Cool Springs. Clarksville police responded to at least 20 accidents, while Dickson County is reported to have seen anywhere from 20 to 30 accidents on Interstate 40 alone.
Drivers who were lucky enough to avoid being involved in accidents experienced serious delays during their morning commutes, with many people in the mid-state area stuck in standstill traffic for more than an hour early Wednesday.
What are the Most Common Causes of Accidents during Winter Weather?
Snow and ice aren’t common in Middle Tennessee, and while TDOT is prepared for winter weather, many drivers aren’t. Driving safely after a winter storm can be more difficult than driving safely during ideal conditions, but there are many things drivers do that increase their likelihood of being involved in accidents when snow and ice are on the ground.
Some of the most common causes of accidents during winter weather include:
When there’s a threat of snow or ice accumulation, it’s a given that you should reduce your speed and increase your level of caution throughout the duration of your commute. However, many drivers fail to heed this warning by continuing to drive at or above the speed limit. Failing to take into account the poor road conditions and traction caused by ice and snow can quickly lead to a serious accident—especially when drivers lose control of their vehicles.
One of the most common reasons that drivers lose control of their vehicles during winter weather is pressing their brakes too hard while slowing down or stopping. When traction is significantly reduced due to inclement weather, always anticipate when you need to slow down or stop when making a turn or approaching an intersection and let off the gas to begin reducing your speed. Use your brakes only as necessary to slow down to avoid spinning out or fishtailing.
Although most modern vehicles are more than capable of handling a small accumulation of snow or ice, some are dangerous to drive during these conditions. Vehicles that don’t have power steering or anti-lock brakes can put drivers at risk, as can vehicles with worn tires, missing mirrors, and burned out headlights or brake lights.
The best option after a major snowfall or ice storm is to simply stay home and wait for the roads to improve. But if that isn’t an option, it’s vital that you drive as safely and cautiously as possible, and that you never drive vehicles that aren’t suitable for winter weather conditions. By staying focused on driving safely and taking your time on the road, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know that winter weather causes hundreds of car accidents in the Middle Tennessee area. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver during today’s snow and ice storm, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. To find out how our attorneys can help, just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
