GAINESVILLE - With some freezing rain and a little sleet Friday morning, the Georgia State Patrol in the Hall County region stayed busy working traffic accidents.
Trooper Chad Johnson commented while waiting on a tow truck to clear a traffic accident he'd just worked.
Sometimes drivers can get complacent, according to Johnson, when the weather they're expecting doesn't cause problems right away.
"We expect the worst, and when it doesn't hit right away, we think, ok, we can get out here and go and do the things we need to do on a normal day."
The usual culprits, bridges and overpasses, seemed to be the biggest trouble spots according to Johnson. On his patrol, Johnson said the overpass at Interstate 985 at exit 20, Queen City Parkway, was completely iced over at one point.
Georgia Department of Transportation crews had been out and spread their stone and salt mix, and Johnson said it was passible. Accessnorthga.com's Jerry Gunn checked the Dawsonville Highway Bridge just outside of Gainesville. Gunn reported it appeared DOT had spread the mixture there as well. He said the remnants of an earlier traffic accident were clearning.
"What gets us is the overpasses and unexpected ice, anytime you add that and the element of I've got to get there, you tend to have these accidents."
Johnson also said to think ahead and remember that areas that are usually shady on a nice day may have ice.
As with all slick road events, Johnson urged people to stay home and enjoy the day inside if they could. If you do get out, Johnson said to reduce your speed and use extreme caution.
Thursday
April 18th, 2024
11:30PM
