Snow, Ice Cause Many Accidents
By GARY MALLONEE and CARRA HIGGINS, Staff WritersThe Friday morning drive to work proved to be quite an experience as winter weather was blamed for several accidents in Upshur County. There were no serious injuries reported in any of the accidents that had local law enforcement scrambling.
The Upshur County Sheriff's department reported answering 19 accident calls on Friday. Several minor accidents happened on Sago Road because of slick conditions. Other areas that saw accidents were Heavner Grove Road, Tallmansville Road, Hackers Creek Road and Hall Road. The majority of the accidents were minor and no reports were taken, according to Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller.
One accident on Route 9, Tallmansville Road, involved four vehicles. Jeremiah J. Reger, 31, of Buckhannon was driving a 1998 Ford Ranger east on Route 9 when he applied the brakes and slid into three parked vehicles. The other vehicles involved included a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina belonging to Ronald R. Godfrey, a 2002 Pontiac belonging to Joseph A. Rolenson, and a 1998 Subaru Forester belonging to Roger Marsh, all of Buckhannon. The accident was investigated by Miller.
The Buckhannon Police Department reported no accidents within the city, according to Lt. Keith Rowan.
Several attempts to contact the Buckhannon detachment of the West Virginia State Police were unsuccessful.
State Police in Elkins responded to approximately seven accidents throughout Randolph County Friday, according to Sgt. G.L. Stalnaker. The Elkins detachment reported minor wrecks on Corridor H, U.S. 33 and along the Beverly Five-lane.
Stalnaker advises that motorists "slow down" and "give yourself extra time" on the snow- and ice-covered roads. As another safety precaution, he recommends that people make sure all snow is cleared from their vehicle before venturing out on the highways.
Also, at least a five-second gap should be left between cars traveling along the same path, Stalnaker said.
