Yesterday, several motorists faced zero visibility as winter weather wreaked havoc on a major highway stranding numerous drivers caused by a multi-vehicle collision. As any crash survivor, I instantly thought of each motorist who had been faced with “zero visibility” as they slowed their vehicles down bracing for the worst. It was reported “one fatality as well as several people being treated for minor injuries” and as I continued to read further, it was also reported that some vehicles were not damaged but motorists were trapped in the pileup.
Facing Treacherous Road Conditions
Transit busses were called to the scene to provide shelter and warmth for the people that were left stranded and some motorists were taken to local hospitals. The highway would be closed in both directions for several hours. Police advised motorists to stay off the roads not only because of the highway closure but the roads were treacherous everywhere in the area. Like many others, I found myself reaching out to loved ones and friends who I thought may have been in the area at the time to make sure they were safe.
Whether you were driving or you were a passenger in a vehicle, my heart goes out to each individual that was involved in this pile-up. Being stranded on a major highway in treacherous weather conditions with zero visibility must have been terrifying for everyone involved including the first responders that were called to the scene.
The Aftermath of Being Involved In a Multi-Vehicle Collision
Like any motor vehicle crash, these motorists did not wake up with the expectation of having their life disrupted in a matter of seconds. Today, those motorists will need to locate their vehicle which may also involve an unexpected charge. Some will need to make arrangements for their vehicles to be accessed by an auto body shop or mechanic, some will need to obtain a rental car and some vehicles may need to be replaced. They will also be left with the daunting task of communicating with their insurance companies and some may even need time off of work to recover.
In Canada, many motorists have been driving in winter conditions for decades but when you are suddenly faced with “zero visibility” in hazardous road conditions, you must be prepared. Here are some winter driving reminders:
- Sometimes the safest way to stay safe is by staying home. If your trip is not urgent, wait out the bad weather. Pay attention to weather reports.
- Make sure your windshield washer fluid and engine antifreeze levels are full. Always have a half of tank of gas as well as water, blankets, gloves, a hat, and a cell phone charger just in case!
- Before you leave the driveway or parking lot, take time to clear snow and ice off your car, including your windows, mirrors, lights, reflectors, hood, roof and trunk. Drive with your headlights on and be sure to keep them clean to improve visibility. Use caution when snow banks limit your view of oncoming traffic.
- Accelerate slowly enough to maintain traction and then leave yourself plenty of space to slow down at traffic lights. Allow yourself enough time to go slow!
- If you are unexpectedly caught in a snowstorm and are stranded like many were yesterday, stay in your car and wait for help. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE until it is safe to do so. When involved in a pile-up, there could be numerous vehicles coming your direction that have “zero visibility” so if they cannot see your vehicle, do not expect them to see you on the road.
- Run the car heater to stay warm but keep in mind that your exhaust pipe will need to be clear of snow. If you cannot exit your vehicle to check your exhaust pipe, make sure to open a window slightly and turn the heat off periodically. There is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if snow blocks the pipe and enables the deadly gas to build up in your car.
- If you sustained an injury in the crash, always follow up with a physician and take any injury seriously. Although “minor injuries were reported”, after a pile up like the one yesterday, you may not realize how bad your collision-related injuries are until after you have tried to return to your normal daily activities.
If you must drive in treacherous road conditions, please be prepared. Making that extra stop to top up your fuel could be worth it. Stay safe!
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
