On November 11, 2014, an accident between a Minnesota State Trooper and Rogers police officer was caught on camera. Both officers were responding to a jackknifed semi-truck when yet another semi-truck hit both of the vehicles. The road was covered in ice at the time of the accident. Both officers were not seriously injured, though the Rogers officer had to be treated in the hospital for his injuries.
With the recent polar vortex leaving entire parts of the United States covered in frost, snow, and ice, drivers need to exercise extra caution when taking to the road. Because of the sheer weight that semi-trucks carry, it is more difficult for them to stop in the event of road obstructions, particularly the sudden road obstruction one finds when an accident has already occurred. Drivers are urged to reduce their speed during adverse weather conditions.
According to Eyewitness 5 News, since the polar vortex began affecting the region on Monday, November 10th, troopers have responded to 475 crashes and to more than 700 spinouts. On Monday, two people were reported killed driving on icy roads on Monday. State patrol reported that Mridusha Allen of Springfield, Minnesota was killed after the vehicle spun out of control on icy roads and collided with a semi-truck. Another fatal accident took place when a driver was ejected from a car near County Road 40. The driver has not yet been identified. Slick road conditions are attributed to contributing to the accident. Since the weather has changed, 37 crashes involving injuries have been reported in Minnesota.
It is every driver’s responsibility to exercise caution while on the road during winter weather conditions. The Weather Network offers some tips drivers can use for stormy weather driving. For one, drivers should always carry an ice scraper in their vehicles. Next, cold weather reduces tire pressure, so drivers should regularly have their tires checked. Drivers should also check the blades of their windshield wipers to ensure that they are in good working order. Ice on the windshield can cause damage to blades.
Drivers who are taking long trips should bring a blanket, an extra set of warm clothing, shovel, road salt, and spare windshield wiper fluid. In Minnesota where drivers were stranded, having proper clothes and tools to remain safe were paramount.
The Weather Network also suggests that drivers use snow tires, particularly in areas that see a great deal of snow. Finally, drivers should turn on their lights under snowy conditions.
While every driver is responsible for being safe while on the road, accidents still happen. Commercial drivers of semi-trucks are particularly responsible for safe driving practices. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a truck or other vehicle, you may be entitled to money to pay for your injuries or pain and suffering, if the other driver is found responsible or negligent. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota who has years of experience helping families and victims recover money for their injuries. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.