Icy Weather Makes Area Roadways Dangerous
By: Lisa Carr
Updated: January 26, 2009
The ongoing cold, wet weather has already been causing some problems for drivers out on the roadways, and officials are reminding drivers to be careful as the roads stay slick. Around 11:30 Monday morning at the overpass at I-27 and FM 1294, officials say ice caused the driver of a pick-up to lose control and spin into the median. As DPS Trooper Veronica Garcia was working the scene of the crash, a minivan coming up over the overpass also spun out on the ice and smashed into the DPS cruiser. Around that same time, Lubbock police responded to five separate accidents along a half mile stretch of road at the underpass near the South Loop and I-27. DPS Cpl. John Gonzalez says drivers have to slow down in icy conditions so they have time to react to any problems. "If you're gonna lose control of your vehicle ... you feel it sliding, steer in the direction of the skid, If you start skidding right, steer to the right, release the gas pedal, do not break, and regain control."
Meteorologists are forecasting even more icy conditions for Tuesday morning. Officials say stay inside, if you can. If you have to hit the streets, driving slowly is your best bet at staying safe.
LISD officials say they will be using their Parent Notification System Tuesday morning to keep families updated on any delays or cancellations.
