Idaho’s First Snowstorm Brings Few Accidents, but Offers a Sober Reminder About Common Winter Road Hazards
It seems that drivers are showing more caution this snow season. Idaho’s first winter storm has only resulted in one minor injury accident. The snow storm, which passed through the region on Thursday, left roads covered in ice and snow.
Sheriff Gene Ramsey, told the Idaho Mountain Express that, despite seeing a lot of slipping and sliding on the roads and some rollovers, only one injury was reported.
Blaine County Sheriff’s office investigated only one accident in Wood River Valley. The accident took place at about 2:45 p.m. A dump truck apparently slid on a curve while traveling westbound. The truck hit a Nissan traveling eastbound on Ohio Gulch Road near the Sweetbrier Road intersection. The driver of the dump truck was transported to St. Luke’s River Hospital. The driver was treated and released for his minor injuries. The dump truck driver was later charged with failure to maintain lane in the accident. Both vehicles suffered damages in excess of $1,500.
The snow season is upon us, and even though the accidents so far have been minor, any snowstorm is a sober reminder of the risks of winter driving.
AAA and Ready.gov highlights some hazards facing snowy-weather drivers this year.
Slick roads can cause drivers to slip and slide or rollover on the roads this holiday season. Some safety strategies apply to all weather types and seasons. Don’t drive while you’re tired and wear your seat belt in all seasons and weather types.
Never let your vehicle warm up in an enclosed garage or any other enclosed area. People die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless, and it is deadly in high concentrations. Your car releases it through the exhaust pipe. When you run your car in a closed area, the carbon monoxide has nowhere to go, builds up, and can kill.
Keeping your gas tank half-full can prevent freeze up of the gas line in very cold winter weather.
If you become snow-bound, stay inside your vehicle, and call or wait for help. Conserve gasoline and run your heater only when necessary.
If at all possible, do not drive during severe winter storms. Watch the weather report prior to leaving your house. If you absolutely must drive, let others know where you’re going and when you plan to arrive at your destination. If you slide on slick roads, steer your car in the direction you wish to go.
Finally, keep warm clothes, blankets, food, water, and emergency medication in your vehicle to protect you in the event you become stranded.
Defensive and careful driving helps make sure everyone stays safe this winter season. Unfortunately, not all drivers practice defensive driving strategies, resulting in unsafe situations for innocent motorists. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s neglect despite taking all due precautions yourself, you deserve a personal injury attorney in Meridian and Boise, Idaho who can protect your rights.
Contact the Law Office of Johnson & Lundgreen today for a free initial consultation.
