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Icy Roads Cause Multiple Accidents

Icy conditions are again wreaking havoc on Atlanta roads. Reports indicate that multiple accidents have occurred as a result of the slick roads throughout North Georgia with one car even flipping over a median. See Story.

Drivers throughout the State of Georgia have a responsibility to use reasonable care in operating their vehicles, which expressly includes using the care necessary based on the existing conditions. When driving on roads that are icy and slick, you have a responsibility to make sure that you are exercising the care necessary to avoid causing an accident and hurting other people. When people fail to use proper care and an accident results, the driver who failed to drive carefully will likely be liable for any injuries caused by the accident.

The Georgia Department of Transportation and www.icyroadsafety.com provide several tips for drivers who have to hit the roads amid wintry conditions:

• If your travel isn’t necessary, STAY OFF the roads.
• If you must travel, TAKE IT SLOW.
• SHIFT DOWN to a lower gear on icy patches.
• STAY BACK 100 feet from Georgia DOT trucks and work crews.
• BEWARE of “black ice,” especially on bridges and overpasses.
• AVOID fallen trees and power lines.
• WATCH OUT for over-confident and/or under-experienced drivers.
• GO EASY ON THE BRAKES to avoid uncontrolled spins. ABS (antilock brakes) do not work well on ice and snow, and often will lock up your wheels regardless. Sliding wheels are uncontrollable, that is, steering input will not change the vehicle’s direction if the wheels are sliding.
• TURN INTO A SLIDE. It helps to look with your eyes where you want the car to go, and turn the steering wheel in that direction. It is easy to steer too far, so beware of “overcorrecting.”
• PAY ATTENTION TO THE WEATHER. Awareness of conditions will help you be more prepared.

Drivers can call 511 or visit www.511ga.org to get current information on road conditions. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

As winter conditions continue to move through the Atlanta region, we encourage everyone to drive safely and carefully. It’s also important to make sure that your tires and car are in good condition. Failing to slow down and drive carefully in dangerous conditions can have devastating consequences and is just not worth the risk.

-Brad Houck

Fri Jan 18, 7:46pm Share on Social Media