Snow and icy conditions forced the closure of Interstate 8 for several hours last Wednesday morning in San Diego, highlighting the potentially serious danger for drivers, even in emergency vehicles.
A SigAlert was first issued for all eastbound lanes of the highway starting at Willow Springs at around 7:30 a.m. due to snow and ice, where worsening conditions led to a complete shutdown of all westbound lanes as well starting at Ocotillo Road just west of El Centro a short time later.
Prior to the shutdown, a number of vehicles had reportedly spun out, sliding off the road and into other vehicles, including one driver who lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a patrol car from the California Highway Patrol. Several other motorists became stuck in the snow, needing the assistance of tow trucks. While pulling these vehicles to safety however, even tow trucks were becoming stuck.
The harsh conditions were good for the tow trucking business however, and many truck drivers welcomed the increased danger as it offered them more work. By 10 a.m., the SigAlert was lifted and lanes reopened, as conditions had improved and roads become more usable.
As a driver in harsh winter conditions such as this, understanding the substantial accident risk is important to keeping your vehicle firmly planted on the road. Because of the significantly reduced traction, your speeds should be greatly reduced, as should the distance needed to brake and accelerate. By driving too quickly, your tires will be unable to grip the road, leading to a spin and a potentially serious crash.
In snow and icy conditions, packing tire chains on board your car at all times can help you from becoming stranded, and give you the means to grip the road and cross over the slick road.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a crash caused by a reckless motorist in dangerous driving conditions, you should seek help. Depending on the circumstances that led to your accident, you may be titled to compensation from those at fault. With the help of a highly skilled San Diego car accident lawyer, you can recover the justice you need to help pay for things like medical bills, car repair payments, and even replace wages lost from time spent away from work.
At AA Accident Attorneys, we will work hard to get you back onto your feet as quickly as possible, recovering the full amount that you are rightfully owed. As always, we will charge you nothing for our legal services until your case is won. Call us today for a free evaluation and to learn what a car accident lawyer can do for you!
lawyers are experienced in handling car accident cases and will ensure you get your accident injury claim handeld by an experienced injury lawyer.We can provide you with auto accident attorneys in many cities across the United States of America such as Riverside, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Pomona, Ontario, Newport Beach, and San Jose. See our locations section for all cited represented: AA-Accident Attorneys Injury Lawyer Locations. A California Car Accident Lawyer that will fight for you!
