by Steve Bradley
Two nearly identical accidents occurred Monday when isolated ice covered areas of the roadway caused vehicles to slip, overturning one and almost overturning the other. [private]
The calls, the first in East Hoosick on Johnson Hill Road at Hoag’s farm, coming just after 11 am and the second, in West Hoosick on Groveside Road just west of Buskirk-West Hoosick Road, coming in one hour later, resulted in extensive damage to both vehicles. Both vehicles were Honda’s driven by young women, both in their early twenties. The drivers were only occupants of either car. Both vehicles were headed downhill at the time.
Both incidents occurred in shady areas where sunlight didn’t reach the road. Areas that did receive the warmth of the sun were clear, but as the unsuspecting drivers drove into the shady areas the road was glare ice. The East Hoosick vehicle overturned, and the West Hoosick would have except it violently scraped sideways along a rock ledge, then was thrown back into the road.
Both drivers were shaken, but unhurt. The Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad responded to East Hoosick, along with the NY State Police and North Hoosick Fire Department. The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department and West Hoosick Fire Department responded to the West Hoosick scene. The Rensselaer County Highway Department sanded in both locations to prevent any more problems.[/private]