Although Saturday, December 20 did not bring the worst weather the North Shore has seen this winter, there were a number of cars hitting the ditch in the county.
Cook County Law Enforcement received the first report of a car in the ditch on Powers Lake Road in Hovland at 9:37 a.m. Lisa Hennessy was pulled out of the ditch by Cook County Towing.
Another call came in to Law Enforcement at 11:14 a.m. from Schroeder. The reporting party said his vehicle had gone in the ditch on Highway 61 near mile marker 71. The caller apparently got out of the ditch himself before help arrived.
A third call came in from a woman who stated she was a passenger in a car that hit ice as it left Cascade State Park and went into the ditch. There were no injuries and Cook County Towing was called to pull the car out.
Another call came at 1:44 p.m. reporting a vehicle in the ditch on the upper side of Highway 61 near the Sawbill Trail in Tofte. Louise Hancock, 88, of Duluth was southbound in her 2001 Toyota Camry on Highway 61. As she slowed for the 40 mile per hour zone, she braked and ran off the roadway.
The reporting party said an elderly woman was complaining of back pain. Tofte First Responders and Cook County Ambulance responded and Hancock was transported to North Shore Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Hancock was wearing her seatbelt.
Her vehicle suffered moderate damage.
In light of a recent upswing in winter accidents, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reminds drivers to watch for slick spots, especially on bridges and overpasses. Brake properly to avoid skidding. If driving on snow or ice, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking extra early when approaching an intersection.
The Department of Public Safety advises drivers to ease off the gas or brakes if you start to slide. Steer into the direction of the skid until you regain traction. Then straighten your vehicle. If you have antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.
Remember, decrease speed and increase following distance on hazardous roads.
Leave a Reply