18-Wheeler Accident Shuts Down Lanes of Interstate 35 in Temple
Roadways across the Killeen-Temple area were closed down Wednesday morning as harsh winter weather continued to move through Texas resulting in traffic accidents.
“It’s All Ice. It’s All Bad,” Says Killeen Police Officer
According to KDH News, major roadways including lanes of Intestate 35 had to be closed Wednesday morning as a result of winter storms and traffic accidents.
Emergency crews responded to an 18-wheeler crash on Intestate 35 near the Midway Drive Exit in Temple after the tractor-trailer lost control, wrecked, and came to rest facing the wrong direction. Southbound lanes were closed as crews cleaned up wreckage and debris from the site.
Reports suggest ice had covered the I-35 and Interstate 14 from Belton all the way to Killeen. Killeen police reported many of the city’s streets were “frozen over” with KPD officer Joshua Plowick saying “It’s all ice. It’s all bad,” during a Facebook live post.
Officer Plowick noted cars were stuck on every major roadway in Killeen as well as on surrounding highways.
Texas has struggled with winter weather over the past week resulting in a spike in accidents and road closures. Residents are advised to remain at home if at all possible as icy conditions expected to continue through the week.
Tips for Driving in Icy Conditions
The bottom line is you should never drive on icy roads if at all avoidable. This is the best way to avoid an accident. While it may seem inconvenient to delay your commute or remain at home, it is far less of an inconvenience than being involved in an accident.
However, if you must drive on icy roads or if you find yourself in unexpected icy conditions, follow these safety tips to reduce your risk of collision and injury.
- Slow Down: Speeding is the top factor for traffic factors and this is especially true in icy conditions. You should GREATLY reduce your speed when dealing with icy conditions, never exceeding 45 mph in any vehicle when the roads are icy.
- Wear Your Seatbelt: This should always be a top priority when getting behind the wheel. All other safety tips below are meant to control your behavior, but you cannot account for the actions of others. A seatbelt will help reduce your risk of injury or death whether your accident was your fault or the fault of another.
- Easy on the Breaks: Brake application is a common trigger for slides and loss of control on icy roadways. Additionally, antilock brakes (ABS) do not always work well on ice and snow. Do not slam your breaks and always use a gentle touch, softly pumping the breaks if necessary.
- Turn into the Slide: If you do find yourself fishtailing or sliding, gently turn into the slide. This means turning your steering wheel in the direction that the rear of your car is sliding. Look where you want to go, and be careful not to overcorrect.
- Avoid Hills and Inclines: If you attempt to tackle too steep of an incline, there is nothing you can do once gravity takes over. Your car will lose traction and you will slide down the incline with no control of speed or direction.
Contact a Texas Truck Accident Attorneys with a Winning History
Thomas J. Henry Law has handled a multitude of trucking accidents over the past two decades and continues to handle many of the largest 18-wheeler accident cases throughout Texas and the United States. Whether the company is small or large, our success is not an accident; it is because we understand how trucking companies operate.
In addition, Thomas J. Henry Law understands how truck drivers are supposed to handle themselves in the operation and use of commercial motor vehicles. We have consistently demonstrated through expansive discovery, depositions, and massive use of experts how trucking companies and drivers have caused not only injuries but deaths that were completely unnecessary. If trucking companies and drivers follow the appropriate safety rules prescribed by federal and state law, many people would still be living a full and prosperous life.
Knowing who and where to sue is critical. The attorneys at Thomas J. Henry Law have the knowledge and expertise to make sure your case is handled correctly. In some cases, you may have grounds to recover actual and punitive damages, which can compensate you for all expenses, past and future, which have occurred since your accident. We make sure all the details of your case have been researched so you receive the compensation you deserve.
Thomas J. Henry Law Offices with a Truck Accident Lawyer in TX:
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- Phone Number: (512) 520-0221 (attorneys available 24/7, nights and weekends)
- Address: 5707 Southwest Pkwy, Suite 125 Building 2, Austin, Texas 78735 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
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- Phone number: 361-254-7873 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 521 Starr Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
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- Address: 5710 W Hausman Rd, Suite 108, San Antonio, Texas 78249 (walk-in Monday through Friday)
