TDOT salt truck among winter weather wrecks

January 20, 2016

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JACKSON, Tenn. — Dangerous driving conditions are to blame for several Wednesday morning wrecks across West Tennessee.

tdot salt truck Drivers faced snow, sleet, rain and ice when hitting the streets. “I’ve been doing my best not to slip and drive as careful as I can,” Jackson driver Daniel Pritchett said.

An overturned TDOT salt truck along Airways Boulevard is one of nearly a dozen wrecks Jackson police responded to.

Several Jackson drivers said the roads weren’t terrible. “So far it’s been pretty slushy,” Pritchett said.

Police said bridges were the main issue. TDOT staff said crews reported seeing black ice along parts of I-40. “I was on my way down the interstate and man, it was very bad,” Stanley Kinny Sr. said.

With a second round of severe weather expected later this week, officials said now is the time to get your cars ready, something one Jackson driver said she’s already doing. “Putting gas in my car, making sure my lights, wipers, we got water and food in the car,” Michelle Thomas said.

Recommendations from the Tennessee Highway Patrol include keeping jumper cables in the car, an extra phone charger and using the rule of thumb — if wipers are on, lights must be too.

Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

Maintain your vehicle with a minimum of a half tank of gas;
Make sure your battery is maintained (Any auto part store will check for free);
Check your windshield washer fluid and wipers;
Remember if your wipers are on, then your headlights are required to be as well;
Keep blankets, flash lights and batteries in your vehicle;
First Aid kits are important to have on hand in your vehicle;
Keep a cell phone charger in your vehicle;
Keep a set of jumper cables or portable booster in your vehicle;

A candle, matches and or lighter are helpful for light and warmth. If your vehicle breaks down, activate your hazard lights and remain in your vehicle.

Please drive safely and dial *847 (*THP) if you need assistance, or 911 in the event of an emergency.

The THP advises if you do not have to drive, please stay home.