Slick and icy conditions on Illinois roads pose a serious risk of accidents occurring and resulting in injury or death. In one truck accident in Illinois last week, a semi-truck went off the road after the driver failed to be able to maintain control of his truck.

The vehicle wound up in a ditch, preventing it from colliding with oncoming traffic and saving the driver, and other motorists, from serious injury or death. The driver stated that this was a very frightening experience for him, and all he could do was just hold on to the steering wheel. Police in the area reported encountering a good number of accidents throughout the day due to the weather, with a number of other vehicles swerving off the road into nearby ditches.

Emergency personnel from both the sheriff's office and the state police responded to these accidents, investigated their causes, assisted injured persons and helped motorists get their vehicles back on the road. They also issued citations when an accident was caused by a reckless or negligent driver.

Police are encouraging motorists, including truck drivers, to leave extra space between vehicles when driving in winter weather conditions. They are also encouraging truck drivers to operate their vehicles with extra caution, anticipating that issues with being able to control their trucks may occur more frequently on slick and icy roads.

Too many drivers, police assert, drive as though no special caution was required on the basis of inclement weather conditions. The failure to adjust driving habits in slick or icy conditions can lead to more frequent, and more serious, accidents. A driver who is not paying attention or taking proper precautions on icy roads can be held liable for any injuries that result.

Source: WREX, "Reminders for driving in slick conditions," Jan. 20, 2012