By Vanessa Donadio, News Editor
Every year, winter weather conditions make driving difficult for people heading to certain destinations. According to the online article “20 Winter Driving Statistics for Driver Safety-2020” posted by Carsurance, 17 percent of all vehicle crashes occur due to winter weather conditions. Another statistic from the article states that an average of 800 Americans die in car crashes each year under these conditions.
Snowfall and storms disrupt the driver’s view, while icy, snow-covered roads tend to be slippery and unsafe. It is important to remember to put on winter tires before the snow begins to fall more frequently, and drive slowly and carefully when the weather is unfavorable. Accidents can happen anywhere, even on campus.
Last Thursday at 11:10 a.m., Safety and Security received a report of a Personal Injury Auto Accident in front of the Phase Two townhouses. St. Bonaventure’s security officers got the call and headed to the scene, where a black 2006 Buick Lacrosse sat, parked in front of Townhouse 21. The vehicle was found with substantial damage at its front end. Two students had been involved in the crash.
According to Gary Segrue, St. Bonaventure’s director of Safety and Security, a current student had been operating the vehicle south on Francis Road and was heading left, on the west shoulder of the roadway. Due to the ice and snow from last week’s excessive snowfall, the student ended up losing control and slid into a tree. The current student driver, and now former student passenger, of the car were evaluated before being released by Allegany ambulance personnel. Any other information on the severity of the students’ injuries has not been given.
Segrue concluded that the accident was investigated by the New York State Police.
When poor weather conditions get in the way of safe driving, it is advised to avoid travel when possible. Every student should take extra caution during the winter months and always take driving seriously. It is feasible that even the shortest and easiest of drives can result in harm and injury.
donadivj16@bonaventure.edu
