Dozens of accidents snarl Northern Nevada highways

Troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol stayed extremely busy this morning responding to approximately four dozen automobile crashes on area highways. Between 6 a.m. and noon today, 47 accidents took place throughout Northern Nevada region as a result of falling snow and slippery roadways, and motorists traveling too fast for the roadway conditions. Additionally, there were dozens of spin-outs and slide-offs on many highways as well.

The portion of US 395 between Carson City and the N. McCarran Blvd interchange in Reno, along with the Interstate 80 corridor between Stateline and the USA Parkway interchange, were the two major areas that saw most of the crash activity.

In Douglas County a half dozen minor accidents caused by slick roads occurred on Highway 395 in Indian Hills, including one rollover. Only minor injuries resulted from those accidents. Highway 50 at Lake Tahoe also saw several minor accidents.

The accidents this morning involved a jack-knifed semi-truck and trailer near Mustang, several single rollover crashes and many single and multiple-vehicle accidents throughout the region. Most of the crashes were property damage only and those with injuries were for the most part were claimed or minor injuries.

The most serious accident of the day so far took place at approximately 12:21 pm on westbound Interstate 80 near the USA Parkway interchange. A trooper had stopped to assist several motorists who were involved in a previous property damage accident involving three vehicles. All 3 vehicles were parked on or near the right paved shoulder when the trooper arrived on scene. Apparently, one of the motorists's involved in that collision called a friend to come to the accident scene and meet her. The friend, who was driving silver GMC Yukon, parked her vehicle directly behind the trooper's vehicle. An errant west bound motorist, who was driving a white Chevrolet pickup, veered out of his travel lane and struck the rear of the GMC Yukon. The Yukon, whose driver was sitting in her vehicle, was pushed into the rear portion of the NHP vehicle. The trooper was out of his vehicle and was not injured. The female in the Yukon and the driver of the at-fault vehicle both sustained head injuries and were both transported to the hospital via ground ambulance. A trooper from Reno was at Renown this afternoon trying to learn more about the cause of that accident.

Our agency is still responding to additional accidents throughout the area this afternoon.

As a traffic safety reminder, when the roads are wet, snow covered and slippery, motorists should reduce the speed of their vehicle, keep a safe following distance with other traffic, be aware of slower moving and stalled traffic ahead, and plan on taking more time for their commutes.

Additionally, be certain to always wear a seat belt and completely refrain from alcohol anytime you know you will be driving. With the holiday season upon us and more parties and get-togethers planned during the next three weeks, motorists should consider assigning a safe and sober driver as part of their festive activities planning when alcohol is expected to be consumed. This will greatly increase your safety on the roadways and minimize the chances of being involved in an alcohol-related collision or arrest.