In our prior posts, we reported on how winter driving can be treacherous and how drivers can take steps to avoid accidents in inclement weather. Essentially, drivers may have to slow down, use sand (and salt) to gain traction or may have to postpone road trips to avoid dangerous roads.
Many motorists in southwest Ohio were caught in a quick moving snow that blanketed roadways with snow and ice. The weather caused several accidents that involved massive pile-ups. In Columbus, a 20 car accident occurred when ice and falling snow caused drivers to spin out. Five chain-reaction crashes left cars mangled. Three people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
The Ohio State Patrol reported a 50 vehicle accident on I-75 near Middletown. While an investigation is still pending, weather forecasters say that the storm that moved through the area produced a half-inch of snow that quickly covered roadways. No reports of injuries were immediately available.
We find these stories compelling because the St. Louis metro area is not immune from the threat of severe weather. Snow showers (especially during this time of year) are very common, and icy conditions can make driving unsafe. With that said, each driver’s duty to drive safely is of the utmost importance. This includes reducing speeds, keeping additional distance between cars and staying off of mobile devices while in challenging conditions.
Of course, drivers who breach this duty (and cause an accident because of it) can be held liable for the injuries and damages that may come out of the accident. With snowy weather coming to our area later this week, we hope that drivers will take extra caution on the road.
Source: Columbus Disptach.com, 20 cars involved in I-270 pile up on Northeast side, January 21, 2013