Ice conditions cause spike in accidents

POLSON — As the mercury plummets, winter driving hazards are rearing their ugly head, as several area motorists discovered the hard way last week.

Icy road conditions were to blame for a spate of accidents, with activity peaking on Thursday.

In total, seven ice-related accidents were reported in the area last Thursday morning, including a number of rollovers. Despite the high number of accidents, “no life threatening injuries” were sustained according to Sgt. Randy Owens of Montana Highway Patrol (MHP).

The accidents included one incident near the intersection of Highway 93 and Minesinger Trail, where, according to Owens, a four-year old child was ejected from a vehicle but spared from serious harm.

“Several people (from that accident) were hauled to the hospital and treated,” said Owens.

In the wake of his busy week, Owens wanted to offer “a reminder for everybody to slow it down a little bit and buckle up. We are in winter driving… expect ice.”