Due to the inability to navigate in the bumper-to-bumper traffic, many vehicles ran out of gas, leaving passengers stranded. Thousands of vehicles were left on roadways as passengers attempted to find shelter, food, and relief from the cold. At the time, this was the only option for those stranded. Instead of towing these vehicles to impound lots as usual, state and city officials simply used HERO units to move stranded vehicles out of the center lanes of traffic to the sides of the road and medians.
Two days later, these stranded vehicles may be sources of additional danger for those traveling on the now-cleared interstates and roadways. Georgia Department of Transportation officials are urging owners of those stranded vehicles to make plans to retrieve their vehicles from major interstates and highways. Vehicle owners do not have to walk back to their vehicles, though. National Guard, Georgia State Patrol, and GDOT vehicles are available for transportation to their deserted automobiles.
There are two locations to report to for transportation back to your automobile and they are specific to the interstate in which the deserted vehicle was left on. If you are the owner of a vehicle abandoned on Interstate 20 (I-20) or Interstate 285 West (I-285 W), the meeting location is at the Westlake MARTA station in Atlanta. The street address is 80 Anderson Avenue, S.W. Those whose vehicles were left on Interstate 75 (I-75), the top end of Interstate 285 (I-285), or the Downtown Connector I-75 or I-85 will find help back to their automobiles at Mount Paran Church in Atlanta. The street address is 2055 Mount Paran Road. Once stranded vehicle owners arrive at their designated location, officials will transport them to their vehicles in 4 wheel drive vehicles. They will also provide fuel for those automobiles out of gas and have jump cables to jump vehicles when necessary. Georgians should bring the keys to their car, as well as a driver’s license, to the designated locations.
Much of the snow and ice is predicted to melt throughout the day on Thursday, but roadways may remain slick and dangerous until late Friday afternoon. If you feel that you must leave home and drive, 4WD and AWD vehicles are suggested. Instead of employing two wheels to provide power at any given time, those that are 4WD or AWD make use of all four tires at a time, allowing for lower probability of becoming stuck or crashing due to ice and snow.
For more winter driving safety information or to find out more about a potential automobile accident injury claim, contact Jones & Swanson today. Oftentimes multiple vehicle crashes are caused by negligence of one driver, in which case they may be held liable by those injured in the crash.
Categories: Auto Accidents
