February 20, 2012
With snow falling across the state of Virginia, state police say they are overwhelmed with accident calls. According to reports from WTKR Channel 3 News, police have responded to approximately 1,000 calls in the last two days.
A spokesman for Virginia State Police, Sgt. Thomas Molnar, said emergency crews have responded to 881 crashes and 456 disabled vehicles in the past 48 hours, and that 230 of those calls came from the Richmond area. Troopers added that they responded to roughly 40 crashes in Metro Richmond.
The high number of accidents has prompted the Virginia Department of Transportation to offer the following tips to drivers:
- Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Be sure to check your:
- brakes and tires,
- battery and ignition system,
- antifreeze and thermostat,
- windshield wipers and de-icing washer fluid,
- headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flashers,
- exhaust system, heater and defroster,
- and oil.
- Leave early and know the conditions for the roads you‘ll be on.
- Keep windows, mirrors, and lights free from snow.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Start out in the lowest gear possible.
- Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
- Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader unless necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
The Virginia Car Accident Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley hope that these driving safety tips help keep motorists safe during the winter.
