Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 25, 2016
Despite Rising Temperatures, Many Roads in Middle TN Still Dangerous
Although the rising temperatures on Monday melted a large amount of accumulated snow and ice, dangerous roadway conditions still persist throughout Middle Tennessee.
According to a report by wkrn.com, many side roads are still slick—especially if they weren’t treated with salt during the initial winter storm Thursday night and Friday morning.
Snow plows continued to operate in Nashville on Sunday night in order to clear as many roads as possible before the Monday morning commute. Road crews in Nashville have already used around 2,800 tons of salt in an effort to make roadways in the city less dangerous for drivers.
The dangerous road conditions prompted Metro Nashville Public Schools to close all schools on Monday. The school system has five snow days built into the calendar to prepare for closings, with Monday marking the fourth snow day of the school year.
Temperatures aren’t expected to drop below freezing again until late Tuesday evening, so most of the remaining snow and ice will melt by midweek.
What Are Common Dangers to Be Aware of after a Winter Storm?
When the temperature rises after a winter storm and snow and ice begin to melt, many drivers assume that roadways are safe and that no additional caution is necessary. However, the days immediately after a snowstorm begins to clear can also be dangerous due to increased traffic volume and poor conditions caused by the bad weather.
If you’re planning on driving this week, be aware of the following common dangers that are often seen after winter storms:
Winter storms have wreaked havoc on highways and interstates in Middle Tennessee during the past several winters, and this year is no exception. The combination of snow and ice fills into small cracks in asphalt and expands, causing the roadway to break apart and massive potholes to form. Potholes can be exceptionally dangerous for drivers and they can damage vehicles, blow out tires, and cause serious accidents.
Certain areas of roadways can remain icy and slick for days after a winter storm. It’s important to be aware that these dangerous patches of roadway can still exist even when the temperatures have risen to well above freezing. Bridges are especially vulnerable to slick patches of ice long after winter weather has subsided, so always proceed with extreme caution when driving in these areas.
Large amounts of snow and ice can cause debris to collect in and around roadways. Things like tree limbs, hubcaps, rocks, and other hazards can pose serious risks for drivers—especially on roadways that don’t receive large amounts of traffic. Whether you’re driving on a busy interstate or a rural side road after a winter storm, remain cautious and keep your eyes on the road to avoid potential hazards.
Until the roadways are completely clear of snow and ice, treacherous conditions will persist in certain areas of Middle Tennessee. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know that accidents can occur even when roadways appear to be clear and safe, as hidden patches of ice, large potholes, and dangerous debris can be extremely hazardous for drivers. Remaining aware of these potential dangers can help you stay safe as temperatures continue to rise and road conditions continue to improve.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, our legal team may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and other accident-related expenses. To find out how we can put our two decades of experience to work for your family, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form. It’s our goal to help you move forward with your life.
