Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury on February 9, 2016
Police Cruiser among Vehicles Damaged, Stranded during Winter Storm
A Metro Nashville Police cruiser was struck by a car near Murfreesboro Road and Nashboro Boulevard Tuesday morning.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred while the driver of the vehicle was attempting to navigate the slick roadway and lost control. The police cruiser was in the area due to a previous emergency call regarding a wreck that had just happened in the area. One person was injured as a result of these accidents and was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment.
All three vehicles involved in the accident were towed away from the accident due to the serious damage they sustained during the collisions. Police also shut down parts of Nashboro Boulevard just before 7 a.m. due to the accidents and dangerous road conditions.
Several accidents and stranded vehicles, including an ambulance were also reported in Antioch early Tuesday morning. The Tennessee Department of Transportation says that most of the roads in the Middle Tennessee area are in good condition, but drivers should be careful when passing over bridges, ramps, and overpasses due to their increases likelihood of freezing and developing patches of black ice.
Facts to Know about TDOT’s Winter Weather Response Capabilities
Although Middle Tennessee has relatively warm winters that are mostly free from snow, winter storms do hit the area from time to time. The Tennessee Department of Transportation stays prepared for inclement winter weather by stockpiling the resources and the equipment necessary to respond at a moment’s notice.
Some important facts that drivers in the mid-state area may be interested in when it comes to TDOT’s snow and ice response units include the following:
Middle Tennessee is the population center of the state, and TDOT’s concentration of winter emergency vehicles reflects that. With 244 salt trucks and 248 snow plows on standby, the department can quickly and effectively respond when the National Weather Service predicts snow and ice storms moving towards the mid-state area.
Using salt and brine is the most effective way to both pre-treat roadways before winter weather hits and to increase traction after snow and ice begins to accumulate. TDOT’s large stockpile of these resources means that the vast majority of major roadways in the mid-state area can receive attention from emergency workers before major winter storms hit Nashville and its surrounding cities.
Keeping roadways in Middle Tennessee clear of ice and snow and in good condition for drivers requires thousands of man hours and extra labor, as well as huge amounts of supplies and resources. TDOT’s budget of more than $3.6 million for the 2015-2016 winter season means that the department can keep major highways and interstates clear for commuters who need to get to and from school and work during inclement weather.
Although TDOT can help make roads safer in the major metro areas of Middle Tennessee, it’s hard for its employees and large volume of snow plows and salt trucks to keep up with winter weather—especially when snow and ice continues to accumulate over a long period of time. That’s why it’s vital for drivers to remain cautious when driving during or after winter weather events, as roads can remain slick and dangerous even after they’ve been treated with salt and salt brine.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys know that winter weather is one of the most common causes of accidents in Middle Tennessee—especially when drivers aren’t careful. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and other accident-related expenses.
To find out how our law firm can fight for your rights to the money you deserve, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
