A historic storm like Jonas, which dropped record snowfall amounts on Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and up the East Coast, is a grim reminder of the inherent dangers of driving on snow packed, icy roads.
According to VDOT, 70% of all snow storm related deaths occur in motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, many people believe that driving a large truck or SUV will prevent them from losing control on treacherous roads and will ultimately prevent them from getting into an accident.
This is just not the case – any vehicle can get stuck. Check out this picture of a huge snow plow stuck in the snow in Southwest Roanoke City.
Yes, that’s one plow trying to pull a larger plow out of the snow. It didn’t work and they both almost got stuck before it was all over.
Thirty-one deaths have been attributed to the past weekend’s deadly snowstorm. Many of the victims were in motor vehicle accidents. One fatality was that of a snow plow driver in Kentucky that lost control of his truck and crashed. He was able to call for help after the accident, but when rescue personel arrived at the scene, he had perished.
Some victims died due to carbin monoxide poisoning. During deep snowfalls, drivers must take precautions to keep the tailpipe of any motor vehicle clear, so that exhaust fumes are not forced into the cabin of the vehicle. A mother and one toddler were killed in New Jersey while waiting in a car for a parking place.
Sadly many others died while shoveling snow. Most victims died of heart related conditions. One person was hit by a snow plow and died after being taken to the hospital with severe injuries.
Use Extreme Caution if You’re Headed Out Today
Even though Winter Storm Jonas is out to sea and headed for the UK, the death toll could still rise from the storm. Roads are still not entirely clear.
The City of Roanoke is reporting that main roads are clear and that they will be clearing residential streets today. Many residential streets, however, will not be plowed because they are snow packed and icy.
Information on state maintained roads can be found of VDOT’s website http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.
To avoid accidents, use these best practices when driving on less than ideal road conditions:
- Speed up and slow down gradually.
- Maintain a slow, safe speed.
- Keep a following distance of 8-10 seconds between you and the car in front of you. It will take you longer to stop.
- Apply gradual steady pressure on the brakes.
- Only stop if you absolutely have to.
- Don’t stop going up a hill.
- The simplest advice of all- Stay home!
Click here more information about How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Roanoke?
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a car accident, call Paul Thomson of The Thomson Law Firm today for a free consultation. (540) 777-4900.
