A single-vehicle accident occurred on Monday, December 28th, near the intersection of Highway 52 and Highway 54 in Osage Beach. At approximately 11:45 p.m., a 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck encountered an icy patch of roadway and slid off of the left side of the road. The pickup, driven by a 41-year-old female from Tuscumbia, then tumbled over a steep embankment located next to the road. The driver sustained moderately-severe injuries and was transported from the scene of the accident by Miller County Emergency Services to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
Driving on ice can be one of the most challenging situations that motorists encounter. Often times, drivers do not even realize that a roadway is icy until sliding or braking difficulty occurs. Even when roads have been treated with salt by road crews, patches of ice can remain; it is still necessary to travel slowly and to exercise an abundance of caution.
The only guaranteed way to prevent accidents when roads are iced over is to avoid driving, but there are several guidelines that can be followed to minimize the risk:
- Reduce speed below normal rate of travel.
- Allow extra space between vehicles.
- Begin slowing gradually well in advance when it is necessary to stop.
- Accelerate slowly following any stops.
- Do not use cruise control.
- Use extra caution on bridges, overpasses, and exit ramps.
- Ensure that vehicles are properly maintained at all times.
- Maintain awareness of road conditions and other vehicles traveling nearby.
- Clear all snow and ice from the vehicle’s windows prior to entering traffic.
Citations:
http://icyroadsafety.com/atrisk.shtml