Published: December 03, 2008 09:58 pm      

Drivers urged to use caution

Slick spots on viaduct cause recent accidents

ASHLAND — A multiple-vehicle pileup on the U.S. 23 viaduct Tuesday morning, followed by a single-vehicle wreck on the roadway Wednesday, is prompting Ashland Police to remind motorists to drive with care in winter weather especially on elevated roadways, which tend to freeze more easily.

“It’s wintertime and with that comes icy roads,” APD Lt. Kenny Adams said. “People fail to remember just because it’s not raining or snowing doesn’t mean you aren’t going to have icy spots.”

Ice can form from runoff from hills and driveways, he said.

Adams said Tuesday’s pileup, which involved between 16 and 20 vehicles, occurred in the inbound lanes and was caused by slippery road conditions.

“We monitor all roads for slick spots,” said Transportation spokesman Allen Blair.

He said crews routinely spot-treat roadways since temperatures have dropped and constantly monitor roadways to check conditions. Crews also respond to treat problem areas when called by dispatchers, emergency officials and members of the public.

“We treat the roadways to assist motorists in traveling across those roadways but we want people also to be careful. The best thing to do in any kind of cold weather conditions is to slow down and pay attention to the roadway in front of you and try to take all the precautions,” he said.

Adams said although state highway workers regularly treat the viaduct during the winter, drivers need to exercise caution all the time.

There were reports of minor injuries in Tuesday’s accident and the woman whose car overturned in Wednesday’s wreck was taken by ambulance to King’s Daughters Medical Center.

No information was available about her condition as of press time.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.

The Kentucky Transportation Department Safe Driving Tips

Drive carefully. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Do not use cruise control. Remember that bridges and exit and entrance ramps can be icy when other areas are not.

Leave a “space cushion.” Leave enough room between you and the car in front of you because stopping in snow may require up to four times your normal stopping distance.

Be seen. Dull, cloudy days will cut down on visibility so drive using low-beam headlights.

Steer into the skid. Stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.

Practice driving. During daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on ice or snow in an empty lot.