The U.S. midwestern regions are currently experiencing a rare cold weather disturbance that has been depositing large amounts of snow, particularly in Texas. While driving on snow-blanketed roads is next to impossible, driving on icy roads and highways, even if passable is very dangerous.
Most Texans are no strangers to driving on roads during winter However, the “polar vortex” that has been recently affecting the some parts of the U.S. has already caused a pileup accident along the icy roads across Dallas Fort Worth. The pileup involved as many as 133 vehicles, including three semi-trailers that pinned and crushed smaller vehicles in which six people died on the spot.
Police authorities, first responders and even towing companies are one in giving advice for people not to take their vehicles out on the road because of the extremely dangerous conditions of the slick, slippery roads. Towing companies are receiving numerous calls for roadside assistance from motorists whose cars got stuck or stalled on snow-ridden roads.
The danger however is that motorists could suffer from hypothermia while waiting for help to arrive, without protection against the unusually acute below-freezing temperature. While it’s part of their job to be out there to provide towing services, towing teams will find it difficult to respond quickly. Mainly because their towing vehicle will also find it difficult to navigate across roads blanketed in heavy snow while performing towing operations.
Known Dangers When Driving in the Snow
Salt-Treated Roads Become Slick and Slippery – While the widely used solution for making roads passable during winter is to apply salt, melted snow can still make the road extra slippery. There is still the possibility of wheels losing traction and sliding out of control, putting the driver at high risk of figuring in a car collision.
Poor, Limited or Zero Visibility – When driving in the snow during graydays, visibility would be limited, which makes it important for drivers to navigate with extra caution. Driving under conditions of poor visibility prevents drivers from having a clear perspective of the surroundings, including the movement or position of other vehicles. More so when snowfall becomes heavy as visibility could become zero. If so, drivers would be forced not to continue driving, but could further expose a motorist and his vehicle to greater dangers.
Vehicle Breakdown – Extreme freezing temperature could lead to vehicle malfunction as the fluids are likely to freeze and the tires to blowout, specially if they were not built for ultra cold weather conditions. It’s important for drivers to put a bright colored article or flashing lights on their vehicle to at least warn other drivers that their vehicle has stalled.
Rust and Corrosion Caused by Road Salt Treatments – Even if one manages to drive safely in snowy conditions, bear in mind that the road salt treatment can adhere to some parts of a vehicle; causing such parts to rust and corrode. Fixing this type of vehicle problem can be costly and time-consuming as well.
Polar Vortex Expected to Affect All U.S. Regions
Meteorologists warn that the “polar vortex” phenomenon is expected to hit all states, including Hawaii. While those in California are not yet experiencing the extreme winter weather condition brought about by the “polar vortex,” many residents in San Jose City are already preparing for any eventuality. Those who cannot avoid driving in snowy conditions have already installed mobile apps of reliable companies towing san jose motorists.
