Virginia was hit with another round of severe winter weather which led to over 1,000 accidents on Virginia roads and highways in just a few hours. While most of the wrecks were reported to be minor, three fatalities were reported.
Officials in the state government reported that they had responded to more than 300 disabled vehicles, and state police dispatch centers fielded more than 3000 calls for help.
State Police reported that an 18-year-old woman from Rustburg, Virginia (VA) died in an accident in Campbell County. Also, a state trooper suffered minor injuries when his patrol car was hit from the rear by another vehicle. The officer was parked on the roadside in Augusta County investigating another accident.
State Police also reported that a woman was killed in a single vehicle accident in Brunswick County. She was a passenger in an SUV. The driver of the SUV was charged with reckless driving.
Also, State Police reported that a 30-year-old driver died when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into an embankment in Amelia County. Both speed and weather were factors in the tragic crash.
So what is the takeaway from all of this? Exercise extreme caution when winter weather barrels down on your area. This is especially true when the snow and/or ice first begin to coat the roads since salt trucks have not had time to put a layer of salt on the roads.
State Police advise Virginia drivers to adopt the following guidelines while driving in bad weather:
- Use headlights when you are using your windshield wipers
- Clear all windows, headlights and taillights of ice and snow
- Slow your speed based upon road conditions
- Increase driving distances so you have more time to stop
- Always be sure you and everyone in the car is using their seat belt
- Brake and accelerate lightly
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