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Winter Conditions Lead to Several Auto Accidents

Abilene police responded to at least 80 automotive crashes, if not more, within the city limits since Wednesday morning. A tweet from the APD indicated that most of the wrecks that had happened up until the post had been considered minor traffic accidents. However, later on, the APD reported to KTAB that the numbers had risen above 80 and that half of them were deemed to be serious accidents. In addition to the wrecks in town, the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to 47 accidents outside of the Abilene city limits as of 3:00 Wednesday, January 2nd. The icy weather conditions are playing a huge role in the spike in collisions. 

Driving in Icy Conditions

Icy weather is something that may or may not happen in our southern climate. A lot of times travel is severely discouraged when the roads are nasty. Sometimes, its inevitable to need to drive even if the roads are icy and wet. If you do find yourself having to travel when the road conditions are slick, there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself safe while driving. 

Take care when driving over bridges and other overpasses. A raised surface in cold and icy weather will be the first thing to freeze, and it can catch people off guard. One minute you are fine and the next, your vehicle is losing traction. 

Slow down and do not tailgate other drivers. Slick road conditions can make it harder for you to stop. Typically, it can take up to three times the average distance to stop in icy or wet conditions. 

Be aware of the roadside. You may see lots of emergency workers trying to help people who have gotten in a wreck. While these vehicles may have flashing lights to help you see them, some of the cars and trucks that wind of on the side of the road can be hard to see. The usual stripes you can see that help you stay in your lane may be covered, and so you may be closer to the shoulder than you think. 

In the end, the reason why people are urged to stay home is that no matter how well you can drive in icy or snowy conditions, not everyone else can. As safely as you may drive, these tips can’t account for all the variables that can happen on the road.  It might be in your best interest for any travel to be postponed that is not an emergency.

Abilene Car Accident Lawyer

You may be one of the safest drivers on the road when it comes to traveling in icy conditions. Sadly, not everyone may share your concerns about safety. The chances are high that you have been passed by a car, pickup, or commercial truck that is traveling way too fast for the road conditions. Driving too fast in dangerous conditions can lead to some serious traffic accidents. Those accidents can have lasting repercussions for everyone involved. If you have been injured in an accident, you may have a fight on your hands as you try to get the compensation you deserve. The Galbreath Law Firm offers you a free initial consultation so that you can tell us about your accident with no financial risk to you. We will fight hard to get you a fair outcome, so, please, contact us for help.