Corbin police say a recent incident on I-75 is a good reminder for motorists to be prepared for possible breakdowns when driving in frigid temperatures.
While traveling on I-75 Tuesday morning in Corbin, K-9 Patrolman Brentley Patrick noticed a vehicle stopped on the shoulder of the highway. Initially, the vehicle seemed abandoned, which is a common occurrence.
As he passed the vehicle though, Patrick noticed a flicker of light inside the car, which he found unusual. He turned around to check the situation, and discovered a woman inside the vehicle crying and visibly shivering with blue lips from the frigid 9 degree weather.
The woman explained that she had run out of gas about an hour earlier and had been stranded in the freezing cold.
She had been waiting on roadside assistance from her insurance. When her initial request went unanswered, she called for the nearest wrecker service just before police arrived.
While waiting for assistance, she resorted to a blanket, hand warmers, stuffing the window seals with tissue paper, and using a small tea candle to keep warm.
“Realizing the danger she was in, our officer quickly got her into his patrol vehicle, cranked up the heat, and ensured she stayed safe until Candidos Towing arrived and got her vehicle running,” the Corbin Police Department wrote in a release. “This close call serves as an urgent reminder of how quickly winter conditions can become life-threatening. Hypothermia can set in within minutes, especially when you’re stationary and exposed to extreme cold.”
Corbin police advise that to stay safe during winter travel, always keep your gas tank full to avoid running out of fuel. Carry an emergency kit with essentials, like blankets, water, snacks and a phone charger. Also, make sure that your phone is charged and let someone know your travel plans before heading out.
“We extend our thanks to Candidos Towing for their prompt response. Always be prepared. Your safety depends on it,” Corbin police wrote.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office also recently offered some winter driving tips, including keeping a winter weather survival kit in your vehicle with such things as a shovel, sand, ice scraper/snowbrush, tow rope, booster cables, road flares, a flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, extra clothing and foot wear, waterproof matches and a small tool kit.
They also advice motorists to stay alert and slow down when driving in snow.
