STPD Stays Very Busy Handling Accidents During Recent Storm

By Naomi Hatch
   Winter storm warnings were issued in the White Mountains on Monday, Feb. 22. Snowflake and Taylor had their share of problems even though the snow amount was light.
   “The rain and snow froze, leaving a thin sheet of ice on the roadway and bridges throughout the Snowflake and Taylor area,” said Police Chief Jerry VanWinkle. Three accidents were reported.
   The first call out to police was for a rollover accident on Concho Road. Though Snowflake-Taylor police and the Taylor-Snowflake Ambulance responded, it was in the county’s jurisdiction. There were no injuries.
   While still working the first accident, a second accident was reported.
   “An accident on Main Street and the Cottonwood Wash bridge was weather related and the truck driver was going too fast for the conditions,” said Chief VanWinkle. John Weeks, 47, of Los Angeles, Calif., was cited for failure to control a vehicle to avoid an accident. There were no injuries.
   Highway 77 was closed for about three hours between Snowflake and Holbrook. The big rig jackknifed, blocking the bridge and causing damage to the guardrail. Officers and Brimhall Sand & Rock employees attempted to open a dirt road to let traffic through, but the road was unable to handle traffic. A heavy tow was called out of Show Low and was able to remove the truck and trailer. Arizona Department of Transportation workers responded with snowplows, and were able to get some salt and sand on the surface to help with the slick conditions.
   While working on these accidents a third accident was reported in which a vehicle slid off the road. “An accident on Paper Mill Road in Taylor was caused by ice on the bridge west of Reidhead Sand and Rock,” said Chief VanWinkle, who noted that there were no injuries.
   “We were able to use our VIP’s (Volunteers In Policing) to help with traffic control during this time, which freed up other officers to handle the other accidents and other incidents that occurred that night,” said Chief VanWinkle. “It was a very busy night for the officers, volunteers and dispatchers.”
   “From time to time drivers get complacent with the weather and road conditions,” said the chief. “It is important to remember if there is any kind of moisture and temperatures fall below freezing, ice may be present and motor vehicle speeds should be reduced to below the speed limits in order to maintain control and safety on the roadways. Just because you can’t see the ice doesn’t mean it is not there. Those involved in the accidents were very lucky that they were not injured and that they did not injure someone else. My advice to all who travel is to exercise extreme caution, especially during winter conditions.”