The North Dakota Highway Patrol reported that a five-vehicle crash on Interstate 29 near mile marker 19 resulted in two injuries Thursday when a semi truck traveling approximately 65 miles per hour struck vehicles and first responders already at the scene of earlier fender-benders during near-whiteout conditions.
According to the NDHP, extreme low visibility prevented first responders from safely reaching the initial crashes for approximately one hour. Authorities say stopped vehicles, emergency lights, and people on foot are nearly impossible to see in whiteout conditions until drivers are right on top of them.
Officials urge drivers to remember that speed limits are set for ideal conditions, not winter storms. When visibility is severely reduced, the safest speed may be far lower than posted limits, or travel should be avoided altogether.
Authorities urge drivers to slow down well below speed limits in severe weather, turn headlights on, increase following distance, and reconsider travel during dangerous winter conditions. These crashes and injuries were preventable.
Via NDHP
Comments