In the aftermath of recent snowfall and freezing temperatures, Rutherford County has witnessed a surge in minor traffic incidents over the past three days, prompting authorities to issue a reminder for residents to exercise extreme caution while navigating the snow or ice-covered roads.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Cpl. William Travis emphasized the importance of driving cautiously in the wake of the challenging weather conditions. Although sunshine has aided in improving road conditions, Travis urged drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to reduced speeds.
“The roads are definitely more passable,” noted Cpl. Travis. “Still stay slow. There are patches of ice, especially on the back roads.”
Despite the improved conditions, the Sheriff's Department responded to a notable number of incidents, with day shift deputies attending to calls of stranded motorists and several crashes on Wednesday morning alone.
Travis underscored the necessity of clearing snow and ice from vehicles before hitting the road. Not only does this practice enhance visibility for the driver, but it also prevents potentially hazardous situations for others on the road.
“Snow and ice are hitting other people’s cars and causing damage,” Travis warned.
Highlighting the risks associated with the winter weather, an incident was reported where ice from a truck struck and damaged another vehicle on Interstate 24 Wednesday morning. This serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by icy conditions on roadways.
Since midnight, the Sheriff's Department responded to a total of 20 calls to assist stranded motorists, with 12 of those incidents occurring on Interstate 24. Additional calls were reported at various locations, including Veterans Parkway, Old Lebanon Road, Powells Chapel Road at West Jefferson Pike, U.S. Highway 231 South (Shelbyville Highway) at Polly Thickett Road, Sulphur Springs Road, and the Nice Mill Boat Ramp.
Rutherford County Highway Department crews have been salting the roads to improve conditions. Despite these measures, authorities continue to stress the need for cautious driving and adherence to safety guidelines, particularly on less-traveled back roads.
In Smynra, Police reminded residents that the use of side by side vehicles or off-road vehicles on town roads is strictly prohibited. Regardless of whether these vehicles bear tags allowing operation outside town limits, it's crucial to note that off-road vehicles are not permitted on interstates, US routes, state routes, or municipal streets. Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to these regulations to ensure the safety of both riders and other road users, preserving the integrity of road infrastructure, and maintaining a harmonious coexistence between off-road enthusiasts and the broader community in Smyrna.
As Rutherford County works towards safer road conditions, residents are urged to remain patient, drive slowly, and exercise caution to prevent further incidents during this challenging winter weather period.
