Denver can have dramatic changes in weather, and when the winter months are turning to spring, ice and snow begin to become a problem. As these melt, flooding is possible. On cold days, the water refreezes and becomes black ice. For drivers, this is one of the more dangerous times of year.
Early in February, the news reported that the roads appeared wet but were actually covered in sheets of ice. The Feb. 2 report indicated that it was a light drizzle, fog and ice that made the roadways dangerous.
With bad weather, drivers need to slow down and be cautious, but that didn’t happen. By 3:30 a.m. that day, major highways had to be shut down due to a number of car accidents, flipped vehicles and the dangerous icy roads.
One accident involved a fire truck. On Westbound I-70, at least three accidents took place between Monaco Street and Quebec Street. Even the bus systems were delayed by this weather.
When you know the roads are rough like on that day, it’s important to slow down and take precautions. If you don’t have to drive, consider staying home. When you do go out, have a first-aid kit ready and be prepared to drive defensively.
If another driver slides on the ice, he or she may not be able to stop before striking your vehicle. To help avoid this, keep your eyes on the road and make sure to double-check intersections before passing through them. With a few simple precautions, all drivers can help prevent accidents in winter weather conditions. If you’re hit because a driver doesn’t take precautions, blaming it on the weather doesn’t make up for your injuries or the damage to your vehicle. You have a right to file a claim to get the compensation you need.
Source: 9 News, “Layer of ice on roads causing accidents,” Feb. 02, 2017