Snow, accidents, clog streets

With falling and blowing snow throughout Northern Nevada on Wednesday, troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol were kept busy responding to several accidents and motorist assists.

Between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m., 19 motor vehicle accidents were investigated,

17 slide-offs or spin-outs were reported and the Department of Public Safety-Communications Center fielded 298 phone calls, said Trooper Chuck Allen.

The crashes and spin-outs happened throughout the entire region of Northern Command. Only a couple of the accidents had injuries reported and those were only minor in nature.

Speed too fast for conditions was the lead contributing factor, said Allen.

The Carson City Sheriff's Office also responded to a series of accidents, including one in which a vehicle rear-ended a patrol car. No one was seriously injured.

Between 5:55 a.m. and

1 p.m., deputies responded to accidents at the Fairview Drive freeway off-ramp, a multicar accident at the Arrowhead Drive freeway off-ramp, a rollover on Dump Hill, an accident on Lakeview Hill and a report of a vehicle down an embankment on Spooner Summit.

With another band of winter storm weather forecast for the region this week, motorists can greatly minimize the chance of an accident by adjusting their driving habits and allowing more time for their commute, said Allen.

"In an effort to maximize your visibility, remove all snow from the windshield, side mirrors, rear window, both tail lights and rear license plate before starting your journey," he said.

Commuters who observe a stranded motorist or other roadway emergency are encouraged to dial *NHP from a cell phone.

Snow is expected to reach the valley through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. 空