Statistics from emergency call logs stress safety as a priority during times of inclement weather.

According to the Weakley County 911 log, Martin and the county have received reports of 32 vehicular wrecks since Jan. 16.

That date marked the arrival of nearly five inches of snow in the Weakley County area. As the snow accumulation increased, so did the reported number of accidents. The first reported accident on Jan. 16 came in at 6:46 a.m. at Old Ore Springs Store. This accident occurred just after Martin saw its first snow of the year.

On Jan. 16 alone, there were 18 reports of wrecks. The wrecks accounted for on that day ranged from people's vehicles going off in the ditches to wrecks involving multiple vehicles. At 7:34 that morning, there was a wreck at Industrial Drive and Old Highway 22. This accident involved a dump truck, a semi and one overturned car. An accident later that day, at 12:38 p.m., involved a Silverado truck and an International three-quarter-ton pickup.

A common stereotype for battling the snow is that small passenger and sports cars are usually the only ones that are vulnerable to being involved in an accident. However, statistics from the 911 log indicate otherwise. Of the 18 reports of wrecks on Jan. 16, only six of them involved passenger and sports cars. All other accidents were with SUVs and pickups. This indicates the importance of all motorists driving with caution, whether you own a vehicle with four-wheel-drive or not.

Fortunately, most of the accidents reported on Jan. 16 and the days following did not involve injuries. Minor injuries and cuts were reported on Jan. 17 in two separate incidents. The first of these accidents was in Sharon on Highway 89 and the second was in Greenfield at Woodlawn and Shelby streets.

The recent snowfall overnight should once again remind everyone to drive with caution if choosing to get out in the elements.

Courtesey of the Weakley County Press