Wet Roads, Rubbernecking Cause Accidents Along I-10 In El Paso

A series of traffic accidents on Interstate 10 outside of El Paso were caused both by rainy weather and by rubbernecking motorists, reports Texas news sources.

The first accident occurred in the westbound lanes when a vehicle cut in front of an 18-wheeler on wet roads. The big rig attempted to avoid an accident, but ended up rolling and causing a second commercial tractor-trailer to jackknife. Soon, at least six other minor accidents took place along the same stretch of the interstate.

One accident occurred in the eastbound lanes as rubbernecking drivers were distracted by the first accident and caused a multiple-vehicle wreck. All in all, at least three people were transported to local hospitals and at least three others suffered minor injuries but refused medical treatment.

Traffic was backed up on I-10 for five hours due to the tangle of crashes.

There are two great accident prevention lessons here: first, be wary of rainy conditions on roads, especially if rain hasn’t fallen recently and especially if it is the beginning of a storm when roads are the most slick. Second, resist the urge to look at accidents on the side of the road or any other distractions that take your eyes or mind from the task of driving safety.