Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 19, 2015
Murfreesboro Road Crews Unable to Clear Roads Due to Limited Salt Supply
Many people in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, are still unable to leave their homes due to accumulated ice and snow, and dwindling salt supplies for city road crews means they may not get any relief until warmer temperatures arrive on Saturday.
According to a report by the Daily News Journal, the city exhausted its supply of salt for winter and is having to ration the remaining supply for another cold front that’s expected to move in later this week.
A representative for the City of Murfreesboro said that officials are concerned about the possibility of more winter weather causing dangerous road conditions.
Due to the salt shortage, road crews were only able to clear major state routes and highways with salt, while secondary streets are untreated and still slick with ice and snow.
However, Rutherford County’s highway superintendent said the county’s overall supply of salt remains steady and is sufficient to clear rural roads throughout the area.
Despite the efforts of county road crews, he still urges drivers to be extra cautious on local roads that don’t see much traffic, as some in rural areas are at risk of re-freezing overnight.
The Murfreesboro car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law hope everyone is able to stay safe until the area receives some much-needed warm weather on Saturday to melt the snow and ice.
What Should You Do If Your Road Is Untreated by Road Crews?
If you live in a rural area or on the outskirts of a city in Middle Tennessee, there’s a good chance your road may be unsalted and still covered in a thick layer of ice. If you need to leave your home for work, school, or other responsibilities, follow these tips to stay safe in dangerous conditions:
Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to driving on icy and slick roads. Take your time and don’t rush, and anticipate stopping and slowing down as much as possible to reduce your dependence on your car’s brakes. Accelerating and braking on slick roads is the most common way that drivers lose control, so rely on momentum and deceleration to keep your car moving or stopping in hazardous conditions.
While steep hills are particularly dangerous during icy conditions, it’s a good idea to avoid hills altogether if you’re able to do so. Driving up or down an icy hill can cause your tires to lose traction and your vehicle to begin sliding out of control, posing a serious risk to you and other drivers. If possible, take an alternate route to avoid inclines or declines on your route.
Even if you’re only traveling a relatively short distance, driving in bitter cold temperatures and icy conditions in less-populated areas can still put you at serious risk, especially if you have an accident or get stranded. Before you leave your home, bring emergency supplies, like a fully charged cell phone, blanket, food, water, and any other essential items you’ll need in case you can’t make it home or your vehicle breaks down.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Murfreesboro auto accident attorneys know that driving during winter weather poses significant risks for drivers and their passengers, and that’s why we urge that all drivers in Middle Tennessee exercise caution when they get behind the wheel during these conditions.
If you or someone you love was injured during this winter storm due to another person’s negligence, we can help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Get in touch with us today by dialing (615) 600-4941 or fill out a free online form.
