U.S. states along the eastern seaboard were rocked by a blizzard over the weekend, with some areas seeing over two feet of snow. The severe weather created dangerous winter driving conditions in the eastern states. In Kentucky, two people were killed and at least five others were injured in snow storm accidents.

Snow Storm Truck Accident in Laurel County Leaves at Least Five With Serious Injuries 

January 25, 2016

At least five people were rushed to area hospitals early Monday morning in London. The snow storm truck accident happened on Interstate 75 near mile marker 41.

The crash reportedly involved multiple vehicles, including a commercial truck and a Ford Excursion SUV. According to local law enforcement, a commercial truck jackknifed after hitting a patch of snow. In an effort to try and avoid the jackknifed truck, the driver of the Ford Excursion slid in front of another vehicle, which collided with the SUV.

The impact caused the SUV to overturn, ejecting one of the vehicle’s occupants. Three medical helicopters arrived at the scene to airlift patients to University of Kentucky Hospital. Two other patients were taken by ambulance to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in London. The identities and the conditions of the victims in the SUV were not made public by law enforcement.

London Police Sgt. Daniel Robinson urged motorists to use caution while driving in severe weather conditions. “If you have to get out, be careful. Go slow, watch yourself and don’t be in a hurry,” Robinson told a WKYT reporter.

At this time, officials are still investigating the Laurel County accident.

Kentucky Transportation Worker Killed While Plowing Highway 

January 23, 2016

A Kentucky transportation worker died on Saturday morning while plowing snow-covered highways. The incident was reported at around 5:50 a.m. on Kentucky Route 115 in Christian County.

According to The Tennessean, Adams called his supervisor to say that his snow plow had slid into a ditch along the highway. When his supervisor arrived at the scene, he found Adams slumped over in the truck, not moving and unresponsive.

An ambulance was called to the scene but there was nothing that could be done. Emergency responders then called the Christian County Coroner’s Office.

At this time, authorities are uncertain what caused Adams’ death.

Kentucky State Police Investigating Deadly Snow Storm Truck Accident in Whitley County 

January 21, 2016

A snow storm truck accident involving a passenger vehicle left one person dead on Thursday. The fatal accident was reported just before noon on the eastbound side of Kentucky Route 92 in Whitley County.

According to the Kentucky State Police, a 2012 Freightliner salt truck was heading west on Kentucky Route 92 when it crossed over the center-line and collided head on with a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero.

The driver of the passenger vehicle, 59-year-old Billy R. Stevens of Williamsburg, was pronounced dead at the scene of the snow storm truck accident. Officials have indicated that Stevens was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.

Two other people in the Oldsmobile, 29-year-old Jesse E. Gabbard and 28-year-old Selena M. Moore, both of Williamsburg, sustained injuries in the wreck. Both were taken to Baptist Health Corbin Hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries was not immediately available. The driver of the salt truck was uninjured.

WKYT has reported that the accident is still under Kentucky State Police investigation.

The Dangers of Driving in a Snow Storm 

Driving in severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous, even for drivers that are accustomed to the conditions. In order to avoid a snow storm truck accident, motorists should be aware of basic winter driving safety rules:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. This will help ensure that your tires maintain traction and you don’t skid.

• Know your brakes. Applying too much pressure can cause you quickly lose control of the vehicle. Applying to little pressure can also lead to an accident.

• As always, avoid driving if you are fatigued. Make sure that you have the proper amount of rest before driving in a snow storm. Being alert and focused reduces winter driving risks.

• Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. One of the most surefire ways to put yourself and fellow motorists in danger is to drive on under inflated tires, especially when contending with snow and ice.

• Avoid using cruise control when driving on snow and ice. With cruise control active on a snowy or icy road, if one of your wheels begins to hydroplane while another gains traction, you have already lost control of your vehicle.

• Stay home. If you don’t absolutely have to go anywhere when it’s snowing, stay inside. You might be a veteran driver in severe weather conditions, but the odds are your fellow motorists are not as versed.