At least six died, and 65 people were treated at area hospitals after a 133-car pile-up in Ft. Worth this week.
The area in question, a stretch of the I-35 highway near downtown, also includes an elevated roadway. These raised roads, like bridges and overpasses, freeze more quickly than roads on the ground.
From what accident investigators can tell so far, a couple of cars crossed onto the icy roadway and lost control. Vehicles coming from behind could not stop quickly enough on the ice to avoid colliding with the initial two cars. In total, the accident stretched for more than half a mile.
LAWMAKERS RAISING CONCERNS
State Rep. Ramon Romero Jr. and state Sen. Beverly Powell raised concerns after hearing reports that the stretch of interstate where the accident occurred had not been salted or sanded before the crash.
“My office is asking many questions and demanding answers,” Romero said. “We have already had multiple discussions about this tollway’s bottleneck design and lack of commonsense safety measures such as a shoulder.”
The lawmakers said their offices were investigating and asking the Texas Department of Transportation about the allegations.
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY
The Potts Law Firm wants you to stay safe on the roads this winter season. The safest measure is to stay in when the roads are icy. If you must travel, reduce your speed, and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. Plan your route to avoid traffic and bridges when possible. When faced with an out-of-control slide on ice, do not apply the brakes. Instead, remove your foot from the accelerator, steer straight and allow the car to stop on its own.
THE POTTS LAW FIRM IS HERE TO HELP
The Potts Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims of negligence. If you or someone you know is injured in an ice-related auto accident, we can help you navigate the law.
Contact us online to schedule a consultation or give us a call at (888) 420-1299.