Hundreds of accidents reported during the winter storm in Virginia: ‘Go extremely slow’

RICHMOND, Va. – VDOT has a crucial safety reminder, as snow and ice cover Central Virginia.

“The best place to be during a winter storm is indoors,” said VDOT spokesman Kyle Gibson.

Slippery roads led to nearly 100 accidents in the Richmond area on Sunday night, and the Virginia State Police responded to more than 350 accidents across the state since 9:00 pm.

An accident involved a Henrico fire engine. Authorities say firefighters were responding to an emergency on Woodman Road when the truck pulled off the road and capsized upside down.

Four firefighters escaped alone and were taken to a hospital. His injuries are not fatal.

Gibson added that staying off the road will help emergency teams respond to these types of incidents.

“When there are fewer people on the roads, first aid can clear the roads more quickly,” said Gibson.

Meanwhile, buyers and workers in Willow Lawn were also on high alert about road conditions.

Matt Lame and Morgan Blomstrom stopped at Kroger to buy groceries in case the snow trapped them in there for a few days. They said they went slowly on the way to the store.

“Around some curves and curves where there is mud, you slide a little bit,” said Lame.

Daris Carter had to report to work at Sally Beauty at the same mall.

“I realized that I slipped only once, and it was because of the traffic lights,” said Carter.

Carter is encouraging other drivers to be careful.

“Watch out for the other person,” she said. “That’s what I found myself doing. And going extremely slow.”

And Blomstrom is echoing VDOT’s call to stay home, if possible.

“Actually, only go out if you need to, if it’s much colder and freezing,” said Blomstrom.

VDOT teams will continue to handle the roads overnight. Your first priority is to clean the interstate and primary roads before reaching the streets of the neighborhood.