On February 11, 2021, a deadly crash occurred on an icy road in Fort Worth, Texas. The crash involved over 130 vehicles and resulted in six fatalities and dozens of injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently released a report stating that crews neglected to de-ice the road prior to the crash.
According to the NTSB report, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) was aware of the potential for icy conditions on the morning of the crash. However, crews did not begin de-icing the road until after the first accidents occurred. The report also noted that TxDOT did not have a specific protocol in place for de-icing roads in these types of weather conditions.
The lack of de-icing on the road was a major factor in the cause of the crash. The NTSB report stated that the initial accident was caused by a tractor-trailer losing control on the icy road. This led to a chain reaction of collisions involving dozens of vehicles. The report also noted that many drivers were traveling too fast for the conditions, which contributed to the severity of the crash.
The NTSB report made several recommendations to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. These recommendations included developing specific protocols for de-icing roads in icy conditions, improving communication between TxDOT and other agencies during severe weather events, and increasing public awareness of the dangers of driving in icy conditions.
The Fort Worth crash serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of properly maintaining roads during severe weather conditions. De-icing roads can be a challenging task, but it is essential to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. It is also important for drivers to take precautions when driving in icy conditions, such as reducing speed and increasing following distance.
In conclusion, the neglect of de-icing the road prior to the Fort Worth crash was a major factor in the cause of the accident. The NTSB report highlights the need for improved protocols and communication to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. It is important for both road crews and drivers to take responsibility for ensuring safe driving conditions during severe weather events.
