Although many were driving below the posted speed limit, state troopers are saying they were still driving too fast. Michael Velez was on his way to work this morning, when he slid on a patch of ice sending him across oncoming traffic.
" I guess I hit a slick spot. I just started veering off into the median and crossed into oncoming traffic. The trailer hit the front of my pick up, Michael Velez said.
The frigid temperatures and freezing rain made for some slippery conditions sending many drivers off the road.
"People don't understand 70 mph speed limit does not apply on icy roadways," Sparky Dean, State Trooper said.
Some people couldn't avoid driving on the roads, but it's the speed that they were traveling that caused them to get into an accident.
Many drivers were taken to the hospital but state troopers feel that most have been pretty lucky.
"Most of the crashes we're working are just damage crashes. We're having accidents on the interstate, all up and down highways, and even the county roads," Sparky Dean added.
People always seem to underestimate the conditions of the road, but after finding themselves involved in an accident many have a different outlook on traveling in winter weather.
"This is all weather-related. You got folks traveling 30 to 40 miles an hour, then you got folks traveling 70 to 80. Those types of vehicles don't mix.
People always seem to underestimate the conditions on the road, but after they find themselves involved in an accident they often have a different outlook on traveling in winter weather.
"Don't drive anywhere unless it's dire emergency, I wouldn't advise driving anywhere," Michael Velez added.
