Texas’s latest cold snap has caused traffic accidents across the state as drivers struggle to navigate icy roads and freezing rain. Major crashes on Interstate 10 left drivers stranded outside San Antonio with some vehicles running out of fuel as they were left parked on the iced-over roadways.
Details of the Interstate 10 Accident and Traffic Delays
According to KSAT, the first crashes were reported on Interstate 10 Thursday night, leaving dozens of cars and 18-wheelers stranded on the highway. Traffic began moving slowly the following morning at around 10:30 am after being “impassable” for overnight.
One driver told reporters that they had been stranded since 10:30 pm Thursday when traffic finally began to clear the following morning.
Freezing weather is also occurring north of San Antonio on Highway 90 as well as in Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Several multi-car accidents were reported in Austin Thursday morning, and a pileup involving roughly 100 cars occurred near downtown Fort Worth leaving six people dead and dozens of others injured.
The weather is expected to remain cold through the weekend, and officials are advising drivers to stay off the road if at all possible.
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.
Injured in a Crash? Contact an Experienced San Antonio Auto Accident Lawyer
Were you injured in a traffic accident in San Antonio or a surrounding area? Our San Antonio auto accident lawyers are available 24/7 to assist you and provide you with a free legal consultation. Contact Thomas J. Henry Law today for more information about the services we provide to clients in San Antonio, Texas.
Remember, you do not have to face your accident and injuries alone. We are here to help you during your time of need. This includes help with medical appointments, transportation, and cash advancements on qualified cases. Let our attorneys deal with the insurers and your claim so you can focus on what’s really important: getting better.
Our San Antonio Personal Injury Law Offices
- Phone number: 210-941-2191 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 5710 W Hausman Rd, Suite 108, San Antonio, Texas 78249
