Each year more than 156,164 auto crashes occur with 1,800 deaths due to driving in snowy and icy conditions according to the Federal Highway Administration. Cooper Landing is not immune from such accidents.
A mother and daughter were seriously injured Monday morning, October 19th, near milepost 57 of the Sterling Highway as the possible result of black ice. Cooper Landing Emergency Services were called out to the accident at approximately 6am for an overturned vehicle on fire with 2 persons injured. Three pieces of apparatus responded to the call including an ALS ambulance and 2 fire engines. Upon their arrival, the vehicle was found upside down leaning against a tree and fully engulfed with fire. The driver and passenger were able to get out of the vehicle and move to the opposite side of the highway prior to first responder arrival.
On Thursday morning, October 22nd, another accident occurred as a vehicle was crossing the Kenai Lake bridge and skidded on ice resulting in a collision with another vehicle near the corner of the Sterling Highway and Snug Harbor Road.
This time of year, as we transition from fall to winter, it is critically important that drivers remain vigilant for the potential development of black ice especially during the early morning hours. Slowing down and driving cautiously will help reduce the chances of accidents. The Federal Highway Administration reminds us that it can take your car 10 times longer to stop completely on snowy roads. Don’t become a statistic – slow down and maintain situational awareness!
Clay Adam, MSN, MBA, EMT-3
Deputy Chief, EMS/Training Officer
Cooper Landing Emergency Services, Inc.
