Snow is a rare thing in the state of NC, before the 2025 winter it had been 752 days since the triangle area saw significant snowfall. Unfortunately, that means that not many people are prepared for such weather conditions.
The best example of this is on the roads, due to the cold temperatures and freezing rain and snow the roads have become slick in the triangle. While many people have driven in snow before and know how to navigate in such conditions, a huge population of people do not.
These people can cause crashes within our area, damaging cars, roads, and, most importantly, people’s lives.
Over the three days with substantial snowfall, over 1000 crashes have been reported in North Carolina. The most substantial crash was in Durham with a 53 car crash on I-40.
Twelve separate crashes caused the 53-car backup in Orange County and caused the closure of the stretch of I-40
Robby Gardner and his crew with Lees Towing pulled each car out one by one while EMS brought food and water to people waiting.
It was reported that an ambulance was stuck behind the pile carrying people who needed to get to the hospital. They eventually moved the people from the ambulance to a new ambulance in front of the pile.
Fortunately, only one casualty was reported with 6 others hospitalized and numerous others injured, but all should recover.
After this crash, many more tips on how to drive on icy/snowy roads have been shared by NC law and the NCDMV.
How to prevent sliding:
- Drive slow and keep a safe following distance of at least 3 car lengths
- Avoid cruise control
- Be cautious on bridges and overpasses
- Intersections without power become 4-way stops
- Clear snow and ice from your car before driving
What to do if you’re sliding:
- Stay calm and ease off the gas pedal
- Do not slam the brakes, slowly apply steady pressure to the brake pedal
- If the rear wheels start to slide, steer in the direction they are going
Stay safe Gators and remember to stay calm and drive on.
