Jackson drivers brave elements despite rough commute
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Snow and ice caused problems for drivers Thursday across West Tennessee. The Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed they got dozens of calls for service overnight. Drivers hit the streets of Jackson despite a layer of ice and snow. “Jackson ain’t really seem like it’s made up for this type of snow,” driver Corey Reid said. Reid braved the winter weather to get groceries. “Gotta eat,” he said. “Gotta get something for the house, you know. Gotta drop off, people still gotta go to work in this, unfortunately.” Cody Sego works at the Kroger on North Parkway and said he chose to drive in, knowing the store would be low on staff. “I almost got into a wreck three times just trying to get over here,” he said. “It‘d be kind of selfish of me if I can get out and not come to work and have an opportunity to help people that come in who really need some hot food or groceries.” The THP confirmed they got about 60 calls for service between 4 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday. “We’re very fortunate,” Lt. Brad Wilbanks said. “People heeded the warnings. There was not much traffic at all last night.” Wilbanks said as the day goes on conditions will get more dangerous. “I think if you question whether you should be out, you shouldn’t be out,” he said. Drivers such as Gary Morris did not have much of a chance. He fueled up Thursday morning after getting off work. “Yeah, I’m fixing to head on in,” Morris said. “Get my cup of coffee, get warmed up.” Troopers said do not plan to drive the speed limit for at least two days and beware it could take at least twice as long to get where you are going. “It’s real messy, like a lot of people been sliding,” Reid said. “You gotta go kind of slow. You just can’t go too fast.” The THP also wants drivers to be aware of potholes on the interstate. “I think we had 10 or 12 cars that actually had flats,” Wilbanks said. Troopers encourage drivers to buckle up and turn their lights on.
