Ice and freezing rain often cause chaos on the roads of Georgia where drivers are not used to such conditions. In January, icy rain was linked to multiple crashes on I-75 in Georgia.
A report on U.S. News noted a crash involving more than 30 cars. The devastating wreck closed the northbound lanes of I-75.
It meant lengthy traffic backups on the freeway connecting Atlanta to Chattanooga in Tennessee. The massive pileup occurred about 20 miles southeast of Chattanooga. The crash and icy conditions shut down all northbound lanes of I-75 for hours. Fortunately, few injuries were reported.
On Jan 8, bad weather blanketed most of Georgia. Emergency managers in Georgia and Alabama reported ice on bridges and highways. Many schools were closed.
Freezing rain causes multiple crashes on I-75 in Georgia
To the south of Atlanta, a deadly, four-car crash closed all northbound lanes of Interstate 75 in Clayton County. That crash left one motorist dead and another critically injured. The county was under a winter weather advisory at the time of the deadly wreck. In bad weather conditions, we often see chain reaction crashes.
When Georgia is hit by bad weather, it’s advisable to stay off the roads of the state. Typically, interstates and primary roads are treated first but secondary roads may not be treated for days after a snowfall and often remain hazardous.
Here are some important tips for driving on icy roads in Georgia.
- Make sure your car is ready for winter. Your vehicle should be topped up with antifreeze. Have plenty of winter-ready windshield wiper fluid. Make sure your tires have proper tread.
- Keep your distance on icy highways. Do not tailgate. You need considerably more space to brake on slippery roads than on clear, dry roads.
- Brake gently. Slow down gradually and avoid hitting the brakes hard because you may go into a skid.
- Be very careful driving on off- and on-ramps and bridges. They freeze before the regular roadway. You may be fine on the roadway until you hit black ice on a bridge.
- Be careful around plows and salt/sand trucks. These are big, slow-moving vehicles with limited visibility. The operator may be busy treating the road and not notice you in a blind spot. Also, the road in front of these vehicles is likely untreated.
- Make an emergency kit for your car in case you find yourself stranded. Consider packing a blanket and a flashlight and first aid kit. Here’s a list to build your emergency kit.
- Have sand, salt, or even cat litter in your vehicle’s trunk in case it gets stuck in the snow. These materials can provide traction and help avoid spinning your wheels.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia car, truck, or motorcycle accident, please contact our car accident injury lawyers.