Wrecker says Icy Roads Cause More Accidents Than Any Other Weather
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EAST JACKSON, Tenn. — Freezing temperatures and precipitation means slick roads with black ice. Wet road conditions are bad enough, but when you add freezing temperatures and negative wind chills, the combination can be even more dangerous. “Exercise caution, cause ice is the worst thing out there,” Johnny Clark, a driver for Highway 70 Auto Salvage and Wrecker Service said. He said when the roads get icy, he sees more accidents than any other type of weather. “The worst part is, people don’t realize bridges will ice over and freeze up, you have to be careful cause it’s unexpected,” Clark said. Clark said often times drivers panic when they begin to slide and hit their brakes. “They start sliding, they jam the brakes and it goes sideways. They don’t know how to steer it,” he said. Clark said you actually need to turn toward the direction you are sliding. “If you’re sliding to the left, turn to the left. That way the car will try to straighten up,” he said. “If you feel like you’re gonna start sliding, let the car go and try to ride it out.” He said if you are having trouble getting out of your driveway, sprinkle cat litter behind your tires before you back out. He also said when you turn your car off be sure to turn your wiper blades off too because when you turn your car back on, your frozen blades will break. Clark added the best way to prevent an accident is to stay at home “Take it easy, Jackson’s not gonna go nowhere. It’s still here.” Clark also suggested keeping snacks and blankets in your car in case you get stranded.
