Police say Nashville roads still slick; 44 car accidents overnight

With all the recent snow and more possibly on the way, it's essential to keep in mind that roads -- even Interstates -- can be icy. Nashville Metro Police and law enforcement officials from the surrounding counties reported an alarming number of car accidents overnight, mostly due to people driving too fast for conditions.

Although most of the accidents did not involve injuries, we all know that an out-of-control car or truck can lead to tragedy. If you're in a hurry and think you don't have time to slow down, keep in mind that a tractor-trailer accident shut down all of Jackson Felts Road and part of Highway 41-A in Cheatham County for most of this morning.

44 Metro car accidents before 7 a.m., mostly due to ice hidden under snow

According to the Tennessean, metro police dispatch said that Davidson County officers had been called to around 25 or 30 car accident sites by 5 a.m. this morning, and there were another 14 more motor vehicle accidents between 5 and 6:45.

In most cases, police estimate, the accidents occurred when motorists hit patches of ice hidden under the snow and lost control of their vehicles.

As of this morning, police dispatchers were reporting continuing problems, and it will take time for all roads to be completely clear of snow and ice.

Police dispatchers report trouble spots on I-24, I-40 and I-65

Metro dispatchers told the Tennessean that last night's trouble spots included:

• I-40 in both directions around the J. Percy Priest Dam -- officers were stationed at this location this morning
• Westbound I-24, near Whites Creek north of Nashville
• I-65 in both directions north of Madison

12 overnight car accidents were also reported in Rutherford County. Thankfully, no accidents were reported in Wilson or Williamson counties, which police attributed to people staying off the roads.

Source: The Tennessean, "Numerous overnight wrecks; roads still slick," Andy Humbles, January 21, 2011