Weather related traffic accidents keep NHP hopping

With falling and blowing snow throughout Northern Nevada earlier today, troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol were kept busy by responding to several calls for service.

In a six-hour time frame between 4-10am, 19 motor vehicle accidents were investigated, 17 slides-offs or spin-outs were reported and the Department of Public Safety-Communications Center fielded 298 phone calls. The crashes and spin-outs outs were observed throughout the entire region of Northern Command. Only a couple of the accidents had injuries reported and those were either self-reported or only minor in nature, according to officers.

Speed too fast for conditions was the lead contributing factor in those events, Trooper Chuck Allen said.

Snowplows Feb. 16 along Highway 395 in the Washoe Valley. Photo/Provided

“With another band of winter-like weather forecasted for our region this week, motorists can greatly minimize the chance of an unplanned event by adjusting their driving habits and allowing more time to accomplish their commute,” Allen said in a statement. “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.”

Commuters who observe a stranded motorist or other roadway emergency are encouraged to dial *NHP from a cell phone so the closed trooper will be dispatched.