Virginia State Police troopers and supervisors have been spent the day going from crash to crash along Interstates 64 and 81 in the Augusta, Nelson and Albemarle counties.
Slick road conditions have attributed to the majority of the crashes. The majority of crashes have involved only damage – no injuries – as the crashes have involved vehicles losing control and sliding off the road into ditches, embankments, guardrails and one another.
To handle the increase in calls for service today, state police has extended troopers’ shifts and called in additional troopers to respond to the crashes.
If folks are having to head out this evening, State Police reminds motorists to make safety a priority as road conditions will worsen as temperatures drop through the evening and overnight. The accumulation of ice poses a serious threat, especially in higher elevations.
Those having to travel are reminded of the following safety tips:
– Drive for conditions. Slow down your speed when possible.
– Make sure your headlights, taillights and windshield wipers are in working order. Brush snow off your taillights, headlights and windows to increase visibility for yourself and other drivers.
– Increase driving distances. Give yourself more space between you and the vehicle in front of you…if you should lose control or the vehicle in front of you loses control, then you will need that extra driving space to safely react and stop.
– Always wear your seat belt.
– Give yourself extra drive time. Bring along your cell phone charger, and be prepared for winter travel…YouTube video and tips from VA Dept of Emergency Management on driver safety in winter weather: www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/winter/winter-preparedness-week
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Chris Graham
