REEVES COUNTY, Texas (DDN) – With wind gusts reaching 75 miles per hour across the Basin Friday and many crashes recorded, including a multi-vehicle pileup on US Highway 285 about six miles northwest of Pecos, officials have warned drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving.
Texas Department of Public Safety officials have closed both north and southbound lanes of US 285, near CR 424, due to multiple collisions, and drivers are advised to avoid the area.
Aside from the Pecos pileup, the Upton County Sheriff’s Office has advised vehicles to avoid N 349 up to the Midland County line, as well as 1555, due to poor visibility and hazardous driving conditions.
The Midland Fire Department stated that the scenario between Upton and Midland Counties became complicated when a Rankin EMS vehicle transporting a patient from an incident in Upton was involved in a separate high-speed crash.
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MFD aided in transporting at least six patients injured in the crashes to surrounding hospitals, as well as extinguishing a fire in a vehicle carrying hazardous materials.
Here are some advice from the Texas Department of Insurance on how to travel safely during these windy conditions:
Be wary of the National Weather Service’s high-wind watches, warnings, and advisories. Winds are likely to be stronger in exposed areas, such as straight, open roadways, bridges, overpasses, and between hills.
When traveling near high-profile automobiles, proceed with caution. This includes huge vehicles, vans, buses, and freight trailers, which are prone to losing control or falling over in high winds.
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles so that you have the time and space to avoid road debris. Turn on your headlights to see through the dust and filth that the wind stirs up.
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Keep both hands on the wheel. Heavy winds make it difficult to maneuver and control a vehicle. If you are not comfortable driving, pull over to a safe location until the winds subside.
Driving slower than the posted speed limit reduces the threats of wind and allows you to better control your car.
Reference: High wind driving dangers: Multi-vehicle pileup reported near Pecos
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