Officials with the Asheville Police Department (APD) are calling on motorists to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before getting behind the wheel. The APD’s Facebook page recently shared a viral dash-cam video of a driver’s window being struck and shattered by a flying chunk of ice that dislodged from the car in front of it. It may take a few extra minutes, but it’s absolutely essential to clear all snow and ice from your car before hitting the road. Just scraping your windows isn’t enough. If you leave ice and snow on your vehicle, it can melt, blow off and dislodge while you’re driving. Even at relatively low speeds, it’s a recipe for disaster for the cars and trucks behind you.
North Carolina Department of Public Safety Storm Stats
- Over 4,600 calls for assistance were made to the State Highway Patrol.
- More than 2,400 crashes have been investigated since the storm began.
- NCDOT crews have used more than 2.2 million gallons of salt brine on roadways.
Slick Roads Around Asheville
We recently reported on the icy and slick conditions on Asheville roadways, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) tips for winter driving safety. Plenty of people know that checking the battery and antifreeze along with tire pressure and tread are all important parts of winter prep and maintenance, but what about after the storm? Drivers who only remove snow or ice from their windshield and windows are putting other motorists at great risk. It doesn’t matter how clear and safe the roads are if a chunk of ice hits your windshield or a patch of flying snow obstructs your visibility.
Injury Accidents During Icy Weather
Drivers in and around Asheville need to take additional precautions before, during and after wintry weather hits. It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived here all of your life or if you’re new to the area. Safe winter driving starts with preparation. Don’t neglect the snow and ice covering your vehicle. Take the extra time to clear it. It could save somebody’s life. If you have been injured due to somebody’s negligent or dangerous actions during icy or snowy weather in Asheville or the surrounding communities, contact the skilled team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation.