More Snow On The Way: Be Safe

There is already a lot of snow out there. The predictions are that we will be seeing 2 or 3 more rounds of it. Makes you wonder where it will all get piled up. MnDot is already responding to accidents all over the area. The Pioneer Press is reporting:

Statewide, from 6 p.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. today, there were:

l 139 property damage crashes

l 16 personal injury crashes

l 388 vehicles off the roadway

l 113 motorist assists

l 18 assists to allied agencies

l One fatal crash resulting in one death

And in the metro area:

l 99 property damage crashes

l 7 personal injury crashes

l 174 vehicles off the roadway

l No fatal crashes

A winter storm warning has been issued for all of southwestern Minnesota through 6 p.m. Friday as well as much of northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin for at least today. But even after that, more snow is expected on Saturday and Sunday. Blizzard conditions with heavy snowfall can be expected around Duluth from today through Saturday.

Interstate 29 is expected to be closed the length of South Dakota by late Thursday afternoon, and I-90 will be closed from the Minnesota border to an as yet unspecified point west.

Nationally the weather is affecting everything in the Midwest. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings early Thursday for Kansas, western North Dakota and northern Minnesota. it cautioned that travel would be extremely dangerous in those areas through the weekend and that anyone taking to the road should take a winter survival kit including flashlight and water in case of emergency.

Because the snow is coming in sections and the roads are getting cleared, I would guess there are a lot of people that are still going to be driving. If you do try, please keep in mind these winter road tips from DPS and MnDOT include:

• Always use seat belts.

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly on icy/snow-covered roads to retain traction and avoid skids.

• Do not use cruise control.

• Do not “power up” hills, which may cause wheels to spin. Build momentum before reaching a hill and don’t stop while traveling uphill. Reduce speed before going downhill.

• Know your brakes. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of the foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

• Give yourself plenty of travel time. Don’t put your schedule before safety.

• Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals.

• Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting.

Most police officers asked say the key is usually to Just Slow Down.

If you need help nationally think about contacting a lawyer here at the Injuryboard. For those in the I-35 Blog pack:

Steve Lombardi, 4200 Corporate Drive, Suite 112, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 Tel: 515-222-1110 Fax: 515-222-0718

Schuelke, C Brooks, 1717 W 6th St # 375, Austin, TX (512) 476-4944

Mike Bryant, 1505 Division Street | St Cloud, Minnesota 56387 | T: 800-770-7008 | F: 320.259.5438

If you are in an accident, make sure to get the names of anyone who indicates they saw what happened. If you witness an accident, check to see if everyone is OK and stay around or at least give the drivers your contact information. If you are injured, seek the advice of an attorney who does that kind of work and who can explain your coverages and rights.