NHP responds to 23 Northern Nevada accidents
Snow and icy roads made for slick travel today as the Nevada Highway Patrol reports having responded to some 23 weather-related accidents, Trooper Chuck Allen reports.
In a 10-hour span that began just after midnight until about 10 this morning, nearly two dozen accidents were reported on the highways. Nineteen of the crashes were property damage only resulting in damage to the involved vehicles, adjacent roadway fences, and sections of guardrail, with the remaining four events having some type of injuries sustained, Allen said.
Most of the injuries observed this morning were either self-reported or very minor in nature. Carson City and Douglas County authorities responded to an accident early this morning on Highway 50 at Spooner Summit, which was reportedly a hit and run. According to scanner traffic, injuries were minor. Carson City authorities also responded to a number of spinouts at Lakeview and Highway 395.
Twenty-one of the accidents were reported in Washoe County while only two took place in Douglas County. The US 395 corridor between Cold Springs and Pleasant Valley was where the largest percentage of the calls for service were handled. Speed too fast for conditions was the primary cause in all of the unplanned events this morning.
The crashes varied between single-vehicle spin-outs that led to damage, to as many as 3 vehicles striking one another, Allen said.
As a precaution, motorists should always stay completely focused on their driving, and even more so, when roadway surfaces are wet, icy or snow covered. Motorists should reduce the speed of their vehicles and adjust their driving habits as necessary, Allen said.
Allowing more time for one’s commute will help to minimize the stress while driving in such conditions which will hopefully allow those to reach their destination safely, he added.