First Snow Leads to Icy Conditions

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Created on Friday, 14 November 2014 18:58
Written by Dominic Amato

hastingscrash ST JOHNSBURY- It wasn't the first car accident of the season, and unfortunatley it will not be the last. As temperatures start to drop, we are seeing our mornings and evenings a lot colder than previous weeks. The Northeast Kingdom saw their first look at an accumalating snowfall Thursday night, which left about 0.5" to 1.5" of snow on the ground and on car windshields.

A head on collison occured early Friday morning on Hastings Hill Road in St. Johnsbury. Laurie Olszowy of East Haven was hit by Patricia Edwards, of St. Johnsbury after Edwards' car slid through the intersection of Summer St. and Hastings Hill Rd. Due to icy conditions, Edwards was unable to stop at the stop sign, which led her to hit Olszowy, causing moderate damage to both of the car's front ends.

"Sometimes we do not know the ice is there but if we do we need to pump our breaks, and start to slow down before we come to an intersection" says Olszowy.

Taking it slow isn't the only precaution to take this season, here are some other important tips to stay safe on roads during the Winter.

  • Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
  • Install good winter tires with adequate tread and pressure. 
  • Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.  Keep all windows clear of snow and ice and keep your headlights and taillights clear, as well.
  • Check your antifreeze, battery, windshield wipers and wiper fluid.
  • Let others know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Allow extra time. The first ½” of snow is sometimes the most slippery. Allow adequate braking distance from the car in front of you.

It is also reccommened to keep a Winter Emergecy Car Kit with items including...

  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Charged cell phone/automobile charger
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Necessary medications
  • Shovel
  • Battery jumper cables
  • Road flares/reflectors

For updated driving conditions call 511 or visit www.511vt.com, and for information on emergency resources like fuel assistance, you can call 211.