The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) was not at all ready for the recent snowstorm even with all of the warnings that we were given, according to Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus. In this particular county, numerous motorists were stuck for hours on state-controlled highways because of weather conditions, road conditions and the lack of state help, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Without proper road equipment, roadways can become overly dangerous and can contribute to a plethora of avoidable car accidents in New York.
Steinhaus reports that the department of transportation was unable to get their equipment to Interstate 84 before the storm on Saturday. As you know, this storm brought more than 2 feet of snow in areas of the state. There were dozens of vehicles that got stuck on the Taconic and on I-84. These roadways intersect in southern Dutchess County and travel into Putnam County.
Our Queens car accident attorneys understand the impact that these kinds of storms can have on our lives. Power can get cut, schools and businesses close and many car accidents can occur. Just by looking at Navteq’s New York area traffic report, you can see that there were dozens of roadways clogged up from snow, traffic and stuck vehicles. Many of these road blocks were the result of traffic accidents as well.
Dutchess County officers helped more than 100 motorists before dawn on Sunday who were stuck on the highway because of the snowfall. Sheriff;s deputies used ATVs with tracks instead of wheels to reach these motorists. All of these motorists were stuck without any help from DOT crews.
“There were a lot of people who were put at grave risk because the state of New York didn’t do their job, and they know it. The question now is, will they correct it?” said Steinhaus.
During the storm, nearly 150,000 students in about 40 school districts in the Hudson Valley missed class as the storm dumped snow for hours. More than 300,000 residents from Albany to New York City lost power. On Monday, roughly 234,000 people were still without power.
Here are some safe winter driving tips from New York State Thruway Authority:
-Driver slower than normal. Remember that all posted speed limits pertain to ideal driving conditions.
-Consider traffic delays before leaving the house. Allow extra driving time.
-Always drive with your headlights on during poor weather conditions.
-In winter weather make sure that you defrosters, tires, battery and windshield wipers are in good working condition.
-Always carry blankets and extra clothing in your car for emergency situations.
-Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles.
-Be courteous of other motorists.
-Keep to the right except when passing. Always use your turn signals so other drivers are aware of your driving intentions.
-Always make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for a free consultation. We represent victims in Queens, Manhattan or the surrounding areas so call 1-877-313-7673 today.
More Blog Entries:
Nassau County Reports Fewer Intersection-Related Car Accidents after Installation of Red Light Cameras, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, October 24, 2011
New York Teens at Most Risk of Car Accident Involvement within 30 Days of Obtaining a License, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, October 18, 2011
