NHSP: When Driving In Ice, Snow, Please Take It Slow

CONCORD, NH — Icy roads between Sunday night and Monday morning cased nearly 100 crashes and reports of vehicles off highways, according to the New Hampshire State Police. The spate of accidents – including one where a state trooper was struck by a driver on I-89, as well as another snowstorm expected on Wednesday that might drop close to a foot of snow – prompted the Department of Safety to issue a “winter weather driving” advisory to the public. The message, according to Lt. Jeffrey Ladieu, of NHSP HQ, is pretty simple: As a driver, it’s your responsibility to slow down when driving in hazardous conditions, particularly poor weather conditions.

“Driving on our roadways is a partnership, and the motoring public is our greatest partner,” he noted. “We all have a responsibility in helping to keep our roadways safe; please do your part.”

The state has seen about two months’ worth of heavy snow and wintery mixes.

“The roads are greasy; our troopers, in concert with the Department of Transportation, are working diligently on keeping our roadways safe for our commuting motorists,” Ladieu added. “Please be patient and avoid excessive actions while braking, steering, or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of your vehicle.”

The accidents during the previous 24 hours were mainly clustered around central and southern New Hampshire – along I-93, from Concord south to the Massachusetts border, on the Everett Turnpike – as well as I-89 and I-95, all major commuting routes. Ladieu also pointed to the crash yesterday morning on I-89 – at a scene that was “highly visible,” with flares and emergency lighting.

“If highly visible vehicles are being stuck while off to the side of the roadway with their emergency lights activated, what could happen to someone driving a vehicle that is less visible?,” he asked. “Please help us to keep our roadways safe as we travel throughout the state of New Hampshire.”

Tips For Safe Driving

During inclement weather, if you must be on the roadways, please:

• Slow down to a speed that is reasonable for these conditions,
• Move over for emergency vehicles,
• Heed the warnings listed on the DOT messaging signs,
• And give more space between your vehicle and others in an effort to give you increased reaction time.
• Don't drive distracted; and please wear your seatbelt.

Image via NHSP.