A Day After Storm, Slick Roads Lead To Dozens Of Crashes
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Snow from Saturday's storm turned into black ice in some areas, making for dangerous driving conditions throughout the Tri-State area Sunday morning.
Drivers told CBS2's Ilana Gold they hit a lot of black ice Sunday morning, especially on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. They also said there were some slick spots on side streets.
In Suffolk County, CBS2 saw the aftermath of a number of crashes in Shirley and Huntington Station, where drivers lost control in slick conditions. There were also dozens of crashes across New Jersey.
"They had to be very careful by underpasses, and also (on) one of the off-ramps, there was black ice," said Herb Chodosh, who hit several patches driving from Long Island to Florida. "Dangerous."
But salt spreaders were hitting the roads nonstop. Some motorists said they were making a big difference.
"It wasn't that icy," said Brian Daddona, of Milford, Connecticut. "They had the roads salted pretty well. Other than the potholes, we're in good shape."
By 8:30 a.m., as temperatures rose, conditions seemed to be improving on the New Jersey Turnpike near Exit 12, Gold reported.
But conditions that might seem good can be deceiving with black ice.
So if you're driving Sunday morning, remember:
• Use major streets and highways because those get top priority and are cleared and treated more frequently.
• Drive slower than the posted speed limit.
• Increase your stopping distance. Even if you have a four-wheel drive, that doesn't mean you can stop faster than the next driver.
Some drivers have already put that advice to use.
"Took my time," said Darryl Marshall, of Baltimore. "Kept the speed down. Stayed in one lane."
AAA New York: Make Sure Tailpipes Clear
As another, more significant storm moves into the area Monday, drivers should also make that their tailpipes are clear of ice or snow before hitting the road, AAA New York's Robert Sinclair.
Sinclair told WCBS 880's Jim Smith that with more accumulation comes the possibility that snow has drifted or been plowed up along the back bumpers of cars -- a potentially lethal recipe.
"If the tailpipe is blocked by ice and snow, it can form those noxious fumes up into the passenger cabin, and it can be deadly," Sinclair clair.
"Seems like every winter, every time we get a big snowfall, there's usually one or two people that unfortunately get killed."
Sinclair added that while you're cleaning off the car, don't forget about the roof, as flying snow and ice on the highway can smash a windshielf and cause an accident.
