The first real snow is here and the roads are snow covered and icy. The National Weather Service has extended the Winter Weather Advisory into much of the metro area. Saturday afternoon, the Minnesota State Patrol had logged 200 accidents in the state.
I-94 was shutdown between Albany and Freeport for over an hour.
(Update) The State Patrol reported 442 crashes for the day.
By the end of the week the number was confirmed as being 800.
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 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 coverage and rights.
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
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