Troopers with Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to nearly 20 weather-related accidents in the Golden Triangle as of press time this morning, though none of them had serious injuries.
MHP spokesperson Sgt. Derrick Beckom told The Dispatch those accidents involved collisions or damage to vehicles on state roads in Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Monroe and Clay counties, but does not include several more incidents in which vehicles simply slid off the road and needed to be towed.
The combination of falling temperatures and rain and sleet resulted in icy patches on the roads, particularly on and near bridges, which is where the accidents usually occurred, Beckom said. Drivers often lose control of their vehicles when they try to brake or swerve to avoid icy patches, which results in the accidents.
The temperature in the Golden Triangle as of 8 a.m. was 34 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill of 29 degrees, according to the National Weather Service’s website. Overnight lows in the area were around 27 degrees.
Beckom said none of the accidents he knew of by press time this morning had severe injuries.
“I haven’t heard of anyone being transported to the hospital or anything like that,” he said.
He recommended drivers be aware of changing weather patterns and drive cautiously. When coming upon icy patches on roads, do not attempt to hit the brakes or swerve around the ice, he said.
“Foot off the gas and just try to cruise across it,” he said.
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