Toll-Free: 888-907-2631
Phone: 540-341-0007
Tuesday morning, a sudden snowstorm in the Harrisonburg area caused a massive pileup on the northbound lanes of Interstate 81, near the 243-mile marker. The crash involved an estimated 20 vehicles and resulted in four injuries, according to Virginia State Police Sgt. Les Tyler.
The pileup happened at 8:30 AM when the storm left a snow layer that immediately stuck on the frozen road surface. According to Virginia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Sandy Myers, low visibility also contributed to the accident.
The pileup created a traffic jam in both directions and closed the northbound lanes until 12:30 PM.
It is very fortunate that this accident has only caused minor injuries. Car pileups can be extremely dangerous and result in chaotic devastation. When one vehicle after another crashes into the accident scene, which is usually the result of low visibility and dense high-speed traffic, each vehicle can be hit several times, from different angles. Motorists, trying to walk away from the scene, may be struck even when they have reached the shoulder. Leaking gasoline creates a fire and explosion hazard, and emergency crews may be unable to come close to helpless victims.
This accident is a reminder to all Virginia motorists to avoid high-traffic, high-speed motorways when the weather conditions are bad, with risks of snow, frost, or rain and low visibility.
Read More About 20-Car Pileup on Virginia Interstate 81 Causes Delays...
