Wet Weather Causes Numerous Accidents in Triangle Area

Raleigh, N.C. — Wet weather was to blame for tying up traffic across the Triangle Friday.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol said troopers responded to more than 85 collisions as of Friday afternoon, including multiple accidents along Interstate 40 in Wake County.

One on eastbound I-40 at about 2 p.m. backed up traffic for several miles. Another accident near the Wade Avenue exit on Interstate 440 slowed traffic on both sides of the road -- one side to clear the accident and the other side for emergency vehicles to respond.

A multiple-vehicle accident occurred in Cary at about 4 p.m., causing the southbound lanes of the Southwest Cary Parkway at West Chatham Street to close. It was not immediately clear, however, if rain was to blame for that accident.

Along U.S. Highway 64 earlier in the day, there were also several accidents.

"Our automobile just started doing a (360-degree turn), and we came across the highway doing a complete circle, came off the road and hit a guardrail fence," said motorist Dan Piner. "And that's probably what saved our lives."

Piner said he was driving westbound on 64 from Zebulon to Raleigh when this silver sport utility vehicle skidded and hit the back of his vehicle. His SUV came to rest on the left side of the highway. The other SUV ran off the right side.

There were no immediate reports of any serious injuries as a result of the accident, the Highway Patrol said. Raleigh police have no official numbers but said Friday afternoon that officers have responded to "dozens" of wrecks as well.

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people tend to drive like there is no weather going on and this always leads to accidents. regardless of how well one drives, in any type of weather one needs to be more cautious. plus, when there has been no rain for a while, the oil and stuff builds up on the highways making them more slick when the rain starts. slow down people. you will only get there a couple of minutes faster. is it worth it? NO

mom2threecld
March 17, 2007 12:30 a.m.

virgomisty22, I am going to assume that your not a native of NC. Either way, the majority of the accidents caused when it rains or snows are caused by out of state drivers. Even if they have a valid NC drivers license, they moved here from the north.

Not slowing down is what causes the majority of accidents when it rains or snows. The majority of North Carolinians do slow down, unlike northerners, who assume they can drive down here like they do up north. Have you ever wondered why North Carolinas Insurance rates are cheaper than that up north?

Ric The Red Neck

Ric The Red Neck Smithfield NC
March 16, 2007 7:21 p.m.

With all the speeders on the roads nowdays, it seems that law enforcement needs to have a crackdown on them.

BLA BLA BLA
March 16, 2007 6:37 p.m.

Glad you guys made it out alright...

brian2380
March 16, 2007 6:33 p.m.

My husband and I were the ones on US 64 that was hit and did the 360 degree turns. You are exactly correct. The vehicle that hit us was passing us, when he lost control of his car. We turned in several circles and then slid down the guardrail cables and pulled down several sections. What amazed us, was that most of the people behind us, didn't even slow down. There was a very nice man that stopped to make sure we were okay and I am so sorry that I didn't think to get him name and didn't think to thank him for his concern.

So, SLOW DOWN in these conditions. It may take a few more minutes to get to where you are going, but at least you may get there. All I could do while we were spinning and facing oncoming traffic because we were backwards and sideways, was ask God to save us. The driver that hit us flipped over and was able to walk away.

SO SLOW DOWN PEOPLE! Save some lives!!!!!!!

loveyouall
March 16, 2007 6:21 p.m.