Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 16, 2015
Snow and Icy Conditions Lead to 30-Car Pile-Up in Rutherford County
A winter storm that hit the Middle Tennessee area early Monday morning led to hazard road conditions and a 30-car pile-up on Interstate 24 West in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 8 a.m. near mile marker 97 in Beechgrove, Tennessee, near the Coffee County line.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol stated that anywhere from 20 to 30 drivers lost control of their vehicles due to ice accumulations on the interstate, and many of those drivers skidded off the roadway completely.
Due to the sheer number of vehicles involved in the accident, all westbound traffic on I-24 was stalled for around two hours as emergency crews worked to clear the roadway. After tow trucks arrived on the scene, all disabled vehicles were hauled away by 10 a.m. Monday morning.
With snow and ice still expected to accumulate on roadways in Middle Tennessee throughout the day on Monday, the Tennessee Department of Transportation urges all drivers to stay off the road if possible.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Murfreesboro car accident lawyers hope the drivers involved in this pile-up recover from their injuries, and we also hope that drivers in the area stay cautious and alert if they have to drive anywhere during this winter storm.
Winter Driving Tips
With the Middle Tennessee area experiencing a deluge of dangerous winter weather, road crews are working around the clock to salt roadways and make travel safer for all residents. However, despite their efforts, not all roads will be safe for travel. Although the best option is to simply stay home during ice storms, that’s not always possible. If you have to get out and about on days like today, try your best to follow these tips to reduce your chances of being involved in an accident:
Driving at or above the speed limit can put you at risk of losing control of your vehicle during a winter storm, as ice is much more dangerous at high speeds. If you’re driving during winter weather, it’s best to drive slowly and cautiously. At lower speeds, you’ll have more control over your vehicle and a better chance of stopping if you hit a patch of ice.
Sudden braking—especially in the presence of ice—is one of the most common reasons that drivers lose control during winter weather. Instead of pressing on your brakes to stop when approaching a stop sign, red light, or upcoming turn, take your foot off the gas well in advance of the area where you need to slow down. Allowing your car to slowly lose momentum is much safer than applying your brakes.
When driving during a winter storm, it’s best to stick to main roads, as those are more likely to have been salted and plowed by city road crews. Back roads and side streets often don’t receive the same treatment as main roads, and they may be much more dangerous due to untreated ice and large snow banks than more frequently traveled roads.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind when driving during winter weather. In addition to these tips, you should also keep a close eye on the weather and get to a shelter as soon as possible if snow or ice suddenly begins to accumulate, as fresh layers can negate any salt used by city road crews.
If you were injured in a winter-weather car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, the Murfreesboro car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law can help you get compensation for your accident-related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form to see how we can help you.
