Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on January 18, 2016
Travel Impacts Expected as Winter Weather Approaches Middle Tennessee
A winter storm is on its way to the Middle Tennessee area and is expected to arrive early Wednesday, bringing low temperatures, freezing rain, and sleet to Clarksville and the surrounding cities.
According to a report by Clarksville Now, the winter weather first arrived last night with temperatures dropping into well below freezing. Temperatures will plummet even more on Tuesday morning, reaching single digits before the wintry mix of weather hits the area on Wednesday in Montgomery County.
Meteorologists say that an accumulation of ice on roadways is possible with the wintry mix, which could seriously impact travel for residents of Middle Tennessee during their morning commutes to work and school.
Temperatures in the area will rise to above freezing by Wednesday afternoon, which will melt the accumulated ice and lessen the impact the wintry mix will have on the afternoon rush hour.
However, more winter weather is expected on Thursday, as rain will move into the mid-state area and may lead to snow and more ice accumulating on roadways on Friday.
Winter Weather Safe Driving Tips
Although Middle Tennessee doesn’t receive large amounts of snowfall or days where the temperature drops below freezing, winter weather is still a major concern when it arrives—especially when it impacts rush hour traffic in the morning and evening. If you live in the area and have to drive to school or work when the roads have a heavy accumulation of ice and snow, it’s important to be extra cautious and understand that your driving behaviors may need to change to accommodate the challenging road conditions.
To keep yourself and your family safe this winter, do your best to follow these tips from our Clarksville auto accident attorneys when driving on roadways in the mid-state area:
Although road crews in Clarksville and other areas in Middle Tennessee have the means of clearing the majority of major roadways, it’s often not possible for them to treat every road—especially in neighborhoods. If your road appears to be dangerous due to a large accumulation of ice, your safest option may be staying at home until the ice melts. Driving on untreated ice can significantly increase your risk of losing control of your vehicle.
Posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions when the road is dry. Heavy rainfall or winter weather means that you should always reduce your speed—especially when driving over bridges or roadways that haven’t been properly treated with salt. By reducing your speed, you can maintain more control over your vehicle and have more time to react if you need to slow down or stop.
When it’s cold and you’re running late, you may be tempted to clear ice and snow from just one side of your windshield and your driver’s side door. However, that can present serious dangers due your limited visibility of the roadway. Take the time to clear all ice and snow from all windows on your vehicle—especially the windshield, as ice and snow can reflect the sun and make it difficult for you to see clearly.
These are just a few of the most important winter driving tips that all drivers should follow. Following the tips above can make it easier and safer to drive in winter weather, but as the first tip suggests, it’s also important to know when you shouldn’t drive. Good driving habits and a safe, cautious approach are still no match for roadways that are encased in thick, untreated ice.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident during winter weather that was 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 the legal team at Matt Hardin Law may be able to help you during this time, dial (931) 274-7788 or fill out a free online consultation form.
