Sudden pile-up caught on camera

Report summary details:
ICR: 21503306
Date/Time: 04/14/2021 04:45
District: 2500 West Metro
Location: Southbound Highway 169 at I-694 , Brooklyn Park, Hennepin County
Summary: Vehicles on southbound 169 had lost control on an icy bridge deck. One of the vehicle occupants had exited their vehicle and was contacted by an incoming Honda Odyssey. The individual involved was transported.
Road Condition: Snow/Ice
Outside agencies:
Hennepin County Deputies,
Brooklyn Park Police,
North Ambulance
Last updated: 04/29/2021 10:09

[@jbbuzzable]

FYI. Read the video description. It provides a few more details.

[@trains2057]

@David How annoyed were you after reading the description , or did u think Johnny was another dum dum?

[@cole3974]

Right 🤣

[@prunabluepepper]

Please people: buy 4 high visibility vest and put them in the pockets of each door. Wear them when leaving the vehicle. Low cost high protection!! Also, if possible, open your trunk and activate your lights. The lights will be higher and seen from farther away. It will also be more obvious that the car is standing.

[@braydend9582]

@@prunabluepepper I only have two personally because I’m cheap but two is better then one; one is better then none. Also LED road flares with aa/aaa lithium batteries (shelf life) are a must.

[@thishandleisnotavailable]

Lol... they don't know what that is....

[@rickgeller6043]

I was a Highway Patrolman with less then a year on the job dispatched to a crash involving a fellow officer. He was on a traffic stop standing between the patrol car and the guardrail. He looked to his left a spilt second before his car was rear ended by an errant driver. He leaped over the guardrail at about the time of impact. He cleared one leg but the other was trapped between his patrol car and the guardrail. Amazingly his injuries were minor bruising resulting in a few days off from work. From that day forward and for the next 29 years, everyone I stopped i tried my best to get them off the highway. I always stood on the safe side of the guardrail. I had my patrol car struck 7 times during my career, while at collision scenes or during enforcement. Standing on the right side of the guardrail allowed me to retire with all my limbs intact.

[@whatadollslife]

thanks for your service dude

[@tonymartin4539]

Maybe get off the road while it's snowing. Put the police were needed. I've plowed snow for 20 years. In city and rural. Police get in the way... In Minnesota at least. I've seen my share of rear wheel drive police cars stuck.

[@UrbexTroll]

Thank you for your service. I'm so thankful that we still have Police watching over us.

[@notyrmom5698]

Wow 7 TIMES?!? I had NO idea what a prolific problem this is! Glad you are still ok, and thank you for your selfless service.

[@uknowme1811]

As truck driver and a traffic signer, Ive learned to ; always have a escape route planned at all times .

[@EngineerX]

I'm always flabbergasted at how often people exit their vehicles and stand in or near live lanes of traffic exactly where they just piled up themselves. Barring incapacitation, most exit because they feel the need to inspect damages to their vehicles. Please get behind safety barriers, away from traffic. In some cases, staying inside your vehicle is the best choice because if you can't exit right away and reach a safe spot you may get crushed by other vehicles piling up. If you car can still move, best to attempt to drive downstream away from the pile up.

[@longbowshooter5291]

Just goes to show how stupid people are becoming. Gee, I just was involved with several other vehicles in a crash on an icy bridge, I think I'll stand in the road for more speeding oncoming traffic. I guess that explains why car manuals used to tell you how to adjust your own valves, and now they tell you not to drink the battery water.

[@AaaaNinja]

Spectators, and people who can comment because they knew the future and the results, are always smarter for some reason.

[@bradleyrhodes2820]

Natural selection. Works every time.

[@bradleyrhodes2820]

@@AaaaNinja I mean it's not that hard to predict. Commonsense tells you you should not stand on a highway or interstate. You talk like its rocket science and we are all Nostradamus. Not hardly.

[@EngineerX]

@@bradleyrhodes2820 Exactly, it's just a little bit of common sense. It's quite tragic because in many crashes like these those injuries or even fatalities are preventable.

[@timothya2742]

My grandpa taught me to drive like every other driver on the road was an idiot. That advice to this day makes driving a bit stressful. Yet much less stressful then being involved in a wreck. Be aware of your surroundings in or out of a vehicle

[@TheEDFLegacy]

I do the same thing. I must admit, sometimes on extremely rare occasions I can also be an idiot. I'm pretty sure everyone is at some point or another. I've never been in an accident in over 19 years of driving. Mainly because of that same belief as your grandpa, but also because others are paying attention during my very brief lapses of judgment.

[@jebronlames7789]

Grandpa was wise

[@robertweekley5926]

@@TheEDFLegacy - Another point of consideration: "Drive as if Every other Driver was 'Trying to Kill You' - Intentionally or Not!"

[@robertweekley5926]

Timothy A. - From Another point of consideration: "Drive as if Every other Driver was 'Trying to Kill You' - Intentionally or Not!"

[@username8171]

Drive defensively, because yes, there are a lot of careless drivers.

[@MNDashcam]

Regardless of environmental factors you should always drive in such a manner that you are able to stop in whatever space you can see ahead of you.

[@MNDashcam]

@@stephenm8126 it happens if you choose to do so on your own vehicle.

[@pushkafreedomforall8887]

They couldn't see that's what he said.

[@pushkafreedomforall8887]

Mostly people are scared of ice and would not test the capabilities of traction in those environments.

[@pushkafreedomforall8887]

I understand that you try to be more cautious and I applaud that just trying to take some blame from those people that suffered from that. It is not all their fault but definitely would be something on the first one to crash.

[@aitorbleda8267]

Not always possible. That would mean no more than 20 miles an hour and no night driving on unlit roads.

[@jillonair]

Hoping for the best for that person that was standing on the roadway. This is why you never, ever, EVER do that.

[@mro-aviation]

Just natural selection cleansing the gene pool...

[@dudeonbike800]

@@mro-aviation was going to say something similar. He just smashes into another vehicle and then cannot comprehend that the EXACT SAME THING wouldn't happen moments later? Looked like he was on his phone too. Something about 'smart' phones really dumbs us down!

[@punker4Real]

that is too bad he will make it

[@sv2697]

The person wanted to win the Darwin award before the end of the year.

[@LotsofStuffYT]

@@mro-aviation if that's the case I must be replying to a ghost

[@fknbastages]

The biggest issue, that I see, is that idiots tend to leave the cars in the position they were in after the accident. They don't GTFO of the way, ASAP!

[@DarkRaptor99]

Unless the car is not drive-able or you have severe injuries the course of action should get over to shoulder as soon as possible. Not just sit blocking lanes of traffic especially with minor crashes.

[@amzarnacht6710]

Bear in mind that almost all vehicles shut off immediately upon impact and disable the fuel pump. That is a safety measure designed into cars since the late 1990s. So, to get a car moving again requires turning it off completely and attempting to re-start it. With the fuel flow cut off it may take some time or multiple attempts to get it started again. Meanwhile you're a sitting duck.

[@perryb3263]

Amzar Nacht They shutoff if the airbags go off or something damaged in such a way that creates a fault, as a few months ago my car was totaled in an accident, not my fault that someone hit back of, but somehow to my surprise no airbags or warning lights came on. I left it on for a few minutes before turned off, as got to shoulder pull off right away, and was not drivable do to the back pressed up against the rear tires, but if that happened in a situation like this, assuming exact same damage to car was driving, I could have straightened out and pulled ahead a bit out of the way straight to the side

[@DanKoning777]

David I hope you're not raising kids; that's the real issue.

[@fknbastages]

@@DanKoning777, what kind of moronic comment is that? 😂

[@hobonickel]

Bridge freezes before road. You would think they would know that in Minnesota.

[@nathan7627]

you would also expect there to not be a crash in front of u but there was

[@aprilgeneric8027]

natural born minnesotans do hence why there are so few accidents on the 694 to 494 fly over triple bridges. it's all the imports who are using bald tires like all 3rd worlders or california racing slicks

[@richardjohnson2965]

Used to drive that area...& worked Minn. highways as a Trooper. Going too fast, following too close, not looking ahead...all contributing factors. Back off, slow down, pay attention...especially when roadways are wet, and the temp is in the 30's. I've been hit before in my squad at accident scenes...all my emergency lights going..& someone would say "I never saw you." WHAT? Wake UP!

[@MidwestSafety]

Trooper Johnson - thank you for your service and always glad to have the insight of a true professional on the channel. Thank you for this post!

[@dolphincliffs8864]

Why don't people get ticketed for following too close? Especially at night,snow,rain etc.

[@markberryhill2715]

I'm with you on the one about hitting a stopped patrol car with flashing lights. "You never saw me?" If you can't see a cop car with flashing lights You don't need to be driving. They should lose their license for at least a year.

[@clifflofgrin5962]

@@markberryhill2715 I did read one study/report which stated that FLASHING LIGHTS somehow lures the driver towards those lights. It sounds counter-intuative, and the report did not mention being blinded. No reference can I give, yet we've seen videos of exactly this situation.

[@cercigull]

@@clifflofgrin5962 people tunnel vision on the lights (or just can't look away for whatever reason) and then turn the way they are looking. When I was learning to do 180s on a skateboard/bmx bike, I was always told turn your head and look where you want to spin, you're body will follow. It's the same concept. A lot of my friends when learning to drive had issues merging onto highways, because they said they would look back to see if cars were coming and immediately begin turning the wheel the way they were looking. Some people just kind of forget what they are doing, and forget they have a death machine in their hands.

[@destinyd1308]

the guy passed away according to the report and idk why anyone would ever just stand there in a pinch point with on coming traffic right at them

[@MrMitchellw16]

Incredibly sad. Possibly he was in shock from the accident, still trying to reconcile what was happening. Thoughts out to the family and friends

[@sodiumchloride8273]

@@MrMitchellw16 Its natural selection, the gene pool iq just went up

[@trains2057]

@@MrMitchellw16 Seriously , nah , people are oblivious to reality.

[@sugarsore]

@@sodiumchloride8273 grow up.

[@sodiumchloride8273]

@@sugarsore I will grow up unlike him

[@seahero4456]

When driving into a for seen hazard, put your 4 ways on and maybe the guy behind can have a better chance. Works best at night, and really helps when icy.

[@mow4ncry]

Absolutely amazes me how people that live in those areas can't drive in them

[@ericfitzpatrick5319]

It's carelessness

[@gangoffour6690]

Lived in the north country my whole. People just can't seem to drive according to conditions

[@grom7826]

They were ALL tourists !

[@mow4ncry]

They're definitely not tourists certainly not that many of them

[@1islander52]

They think BECAUSE they live in those areas they can handle it. Wrong.

[@jeremyk3320]

This pile up is due mostly to pure stupidity of not paying attention to the road ahead and not driving for the conditions

[@JJtoob]

The video explains that there's no way oncoming traffic can see the pileup because of bridge doesn't let you see it from the other side, and he also mentioned the conditions changed quickly, so it may not have been so slick just minutes earlier. Don't get me wrong, there's been pileups where you can blame some of the cars plowing into the others to drivers not paying attention, but in a lot of them, something kept them from seeing the pileup, AND the road conditions were not hazardous only minutes prior, or down the road.

[@tonymartin4539]

Yes. Both of you are right in my opinion. I always drive right lane towards the shoulder. Better slow than sorry. I have 55 customers that count on me to plow them out. Seen so many idiots going 5 to 10 mph over conditions, crash. Plus I'll just see you at the next stop light!!!!!!! Put sand bags in your trunk!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jeremyk3320]

@Jacob King in my opinion you’re wrong so deal with that

[@leonblittle226]

People are still in shock when air bags have detonated or the seatbelt tensioners have blown and locked the belt in position making it hard to get off you, meanwhile there is other traffic coming at you. They simply aren't ready for it.

[@GoldenKakes]

It's not hard to get off of you.

[@calcrappie8507]

Guy with hands in his pockets (obviously) should have moved just a few feet to across the protective rail. Those vehicles were flying and were physically channeled (by walls and rails) to go in his direction.

[@markcantemail8018]

Pinballs is what comes to Mind after watching this . I would not drop the Quarter to see this happen . A lot of Carnage in a short Time Span .

[@davidpowell3347]

Often times a driver upon discovering that they are on ice will hit the brakes when it is unnecessary and spin themself out,then following traffic hits them. Usually when on level road and not having to avoid anything in front releasing the brake COMPLETELY will allow the car to more or less straighten out and stay on the road. Of course not going as fast as a bat out of hell helps.

[@Ryknfjor]

^^Best advice in the comments

[@TheEDFLegacy]

That's why on non-ABS cars they speak about "pumping the brakes". It's an effective strategy, though knowing the limits of your car and how much you need to pump requires practice and experience. This is why I tell new drivers to practice in mall parking lots and quiet roadways at 2-3am when it snows or freezing rains.

[@davidpowell3347]

@@TheEDFLegacy With the Chevrolet Citation once a wheel or axle was sliding you had to completely let up the brake pedal in order for the wheel to start turning again. I suspect a lot of drivers won't completely lift from the pedal when "pumping" and some drivers push the brake because of a sort of panic reaction to the sensation of sliding. It was hilarious to drive a Citation in a snow covered lot with the parking brake on which locked the rear wheels and made the car act like a sled. Those cars also had a horrible premature rear wheel lockup problem even just on wet or dirty pavement with only light braking,getting the brakes "warmed up" made much of the problem disappear. The factory recall fix didn't do much good,only limited the maximal rear braking action when you really got on the brakes and might have needed maximal brake action. (Heavy load in rear of car,hot brakes from having used them repeatedly on downgrade in mountain driving)

[@Reel-Justice]

Overpass bridges like this become extra slippery / icy because cold air is above and below the bridge.

[@smoke05s]

Why can't they put heating coils on those bridges or at the very least have flashing lights come on when the bridge temp is below freezing?

[@cercigull]

@@smoke05s Honestly, the answer is probably money oriented. It's not very profitable. But, even with the warnings, accidents like this would still happen because many people on the roads don't seem to care about safety of themselves nor other people. The couple snow days we had, I was driving slower than usual (but still quite quick IMO) and I had people on my bumper, but I didn't lose traction once even though I have not so great tires at the moment (low tread, I know dangerous but I drive for the condition of my vehicle + the road conditions in mind. Still not very safe, I definitely need new tires). I saw many other people accidentally losing traction in corners and such (and on purpose, but as long as there are no cars to hit I don't mind when others do this. The issue comes about when there is traffic), many accidents as well. Here I thought most drivers understood when it snows you drive slow, especially with the fluffy stuff we had gotten, but I suppose I was wrong. I only drove in town, as I know how terrible it would have been to drive highway on those days with these crazy drivers still speeding on bald summer tires. Lots of people think they can stop like they can during the summer, even though there is ice + snow on the ground and no asphalt visible. It's kind of sad. I had slid a small amount coming to a stop light once, but still stopped in time because I understand in the winter, you need more stopping distance as you do when it rains. I saw many people run stop signs and lights accidentally because they didn't give themselves room to stop. This is only my third winter driving too, I can not understand some people. I apologize for the paragraph.

[@IdahoPohTaToh]

@@smoke05s Why can't people be aware themselves. It is common knowledge bridges freeze up before roadways. If it is anywhere close to freezing you must assume there will be icy spots and bridges. The problem with the country nowadays is people are too dependent on the government to take care of them.

[@KB-ke3fi]

@@smoke05s cost too much and unreliable.

[@forthefunofit3230]

DUH!!!!!

[@ohyeahthatsright3155]

This is a great tool you have provided. Just because you have stopped, it’s not over yet. Thank you for the commentary.

[@woody4u247]

Never exit your vehicle unless your immediate life is in danger ( car is on fire or in water etc) until police, tow truck or fire, show up & secure the scene. Your vehicle, even damaged is still a cage to absorb supplemental impacts if you get hit again. If you do get out, NEVER turn your back to oncoming traffic... don't sit & try to look at the damage, get behind a barrier or immovable object for protection. Even standing in the ditch or grass etc is still a potential target area for other vehicles to enter.

[@antipodeaninterloper]

This makes less sense than you realize. If you or your life is not in immediate danger, this in fact is the safest time to leave your vehicle and possible the only time to seek a safer location: away from the crash scene, away from approaching traffic that may impact your car, away from where a fire may start.

[@woody4u247]

@@antipodeaninterloper you're obviously not a professional emergency Responder or have never worked real world traffic accidents. Obviously every situation is different, but the average driver has zero experience dealing with sudden serious traffic accidents or traffic obstructions. You might think getting out is the answer.. but there's multiple factors that play into a decision. Examples are: where is the accident in relation to the flow of traffic, what is the speed of the traffic flow & how far is it visible to oncoming traffic & what are the road & weather conditions? Is it daytime or night? Is the damage serious enough to prevent the vehicle from limping itself off to the shoulder or out of the way? Is the weather life threatening such as very cold to withstand waiting for help to arrive? How far away is rescue, not everyone lives in a city with emergency services minutes away. If it's below zero & you're out in rural areas.. it could take 30 minutes or more especially if road conditions limit response time speed. What if you've got a head injury & don't know it & you wander away & collapse & aren't found for awhile.... it does happen. If you're on a multi lane highway, they're not all designed the same... and even different stretches have different options.. there likely may not be a safe place to get out of your vehicle & stay out of traffic or behind a barrier/guardrail... human curiosity, shock, emotions of disbelief & anger, scared financial damage costs or wanting to look at the damages etc all keep people from paying attention to the bigger picture & thinking clearly & prioritizing safety. Many many people are seriously injured or killed after the initial accident from secondary accidents that could've been avoided. People often simply don't think & make stupid decisions not paying attention or meaning to... regular people don't wear high visibility clothing daily.. so a pedestrian standing in traffic in dark clothing isn't going to be seen especially when drivers are distracted looking at the original accident effecting traffic flow. Getting outta your car after a fender bender on a side street in California in summer is very different than getting out on a highway on a multi lane highway in Minnesota during an icy snowstorm at night.... there's no one answer.. but real world data shows under * most* circumstances.. it's safer to not become a low visibility pedestrian wandering around not aware of your oncoming dangers or exposed to severe weather. There's lots of factors in deciding what's best for each situation.

[@antipodeaninterloper]

@@woody4u247 Dude, if I am in a pileup, as soon as the coast is clear, I am jumping out and getting way clear of the accident scene to a safe location. I am not waiting for a truck to rear end me, or for you to turn up maybe 20 minutes later to extract my burnt body from the wreck. Re-read what I have written. It makes perfect sense.

[@egg-roll8968]

@@antipodeaninterloper Depending on the situation you're still safer in the car (most cases) esp if you can move your car to a safer spot, in this situation if they didn't want to go over the concrete barrier the car was safer, quickly hopping over to the passenger side and buckling in would be best for the side impact. In a total whiteout only a total moron would risk leaving their car, same with unknown conditions outside of your car. The car is still safer than your meaty pillow of bouncing flesh with brittle bones that sprays red fluids all over the road when you F up, esp if it the car immobilized or if you are the front of the pile up with obvious carnage/stopped traffic behind you. Pileups in wintery/icy conditions are different than warm places which you clearly live in, where you can slip or trip in said conditions hindering your ability to move fast and just because your car is sitting on top of the snow doesn't mean it's not 3 ft deep where your car lies. Last I checked you can't run at full speed with 6 inches let alone 3 feet, but that snow does help lessen the blow to your car, but not you. Also obviously if your car is on fire GTFO, but if not then don't leave it 99% of the time.

[@antipodeaninterloper]

@@egg-roll8968 my observation was to seek a safer place when there is no immediate danger. If that means driving a crippled car to the shoulder, do it. If it means hopping a guard rail, and moving down an embankment - that is also something I would do …. As did others in this incident. Dude that left vehicle to wander around a growing accident scene was beyond clueless. He left a reasonably safe location in search of a Darwin award. Check the current blizzard conditions in the Sierra Nevada. This is my backyard and playground. I drive an FJ. Usually bomb proof - but there is a great clip of one being punted over a concrete center divide by a semi. It is that scenario that worries me - and that I would prefer to move away from.

[@lilbill88]

The commentary is on point and informative. Thank you! Subscribed

[@MidwestSafety]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Rugopoly]

Thank you for uploading these videos!

[@LindysEpiphany]

Remember that bridges/overpasses will freeze ahead of the regular roadway. Take heed and slow down when coming to these extra slippery areas! And please do not stand near or on the roadway. Either stay in your vehicle buckled or move out of the entire area if standing. Recognize that with ice it is always an out of control situation!

[@wideslammer]

Useful commentary to make what was happening more clear. Nice job.

[@MidwestSafety]

Much appreciated!

[@Ro6entX]

Black ice alone is no joke and even more difficult if you don’t expect it. It is quite rare where I live and when I hit on my motorcycle, I was surprised. Thankfully I was in a slow turn and not hurt but my bike hit a curb bad enough to be written off.

[@swat007jp]

What about white ice? What does race have to do with this ?

[@tpnphoenix3367]

@@swat007jp he said bcz of the ice

[@KB-ke3fi]

@@swat007jp lol

[@stefanf922]

Following too close and driving too fast for the conditions. Top 2 reasons for any accident.

[@Bendigo1]

They were driving in a pack. NEVER drive in a pack, especially in winter. One wrong move by anyone can cause a chain reaction.

[@Hulious777]

169 sucks. The amount of left lane hoggers is unbearable. Traffic is always heavy during rush hour. In the video, if the vehicle is drivable, move it to the shoulder. 7 vehicles could've been saved at least

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

When driving on 169 if you are in the slower right lane you will spend your time slowing down or constantly moving over for all the entry ramps on that hiway hence why people stay in the left lane ( I do)

[@aprilgeneric8027]

the entire problem is when bettey crocker drive was given ramps. can't have 55 traffic just get up to speed then have t screech to a halt to merge with general mills and willow creek slowtards merge right into 394 exit and entrance ramps in less than 1/4 mile. only county state and federal roads should be allowed to connect in spans of less than 2 miles between ramps zero city roads. all those should have to connect to the county roads and state highways before being able to merge onto federal.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

@@aprilgeneric8027 so true. Way too many ramp. There is a ramp onto 10 out of anoka that no car can possibly get to highway speeds before the highway and safely merge. I use the frontage road instead after damn near getting run over by a semi

[@DefinitelyNotYouThankGod]

I sure hope the guy standing out there is ok😳

[@robertsims9201]

if not he gets a darwin award.

[@ramblingbill9101]

He passed away.

[@vids_by]

@@ramblingbill9101 how do yk?

[@binxthekitty54]

@@vids_by He gone! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKSph4tvlJxopq8

[@vids_by]

@@binxthekitty54 the hell is that?

[@petebeatminister]

As so often, its the icy bridge trap. Because the freezing cold air can cool the road surface also from underneath, it freezes over sooner than the roads on solid ground. And then people get surprised by the sudden change, having no time to slow down sufficiently. There is this famous bridge in Charleston, where lots of videos were made showing exactly that.

[@IggnantOG]

DOT knows that too. And it is their job to make them safe.

[@aneerenb]

Just wanted to say, I appreciate the analysis in your videos :)

[@MidwestSafety]

Thank you, Aaron! That means a lot!

[@echospaw899]

Praise to the driver that quickly decided to place himself/herself in harm's way to position themselves so oncoming traffic would at least have some warning of what was ahead of them. Very smart indeed, and selfless, too.

[@aprilgeneric8027]

lulz? darwin award winner or the white car trying to gtfo the way as fast as possible to avoid death?

[@TheEDFLegacy]

@@aprilgeneric8027 The car that drove opposite the highway traffic to go over the hump of the bridge to use their headlights as a warning.

[@pje6882]

This happened to me last year in on overpass to get on 494 from Woodbury. Totaled my vehicle, airbag deployed, slid right into an accident that occurred moments before. I now live in SC. I just couldn't take it anymore.......the winters that is.

[@scdevon]

Do NOT get out of your vehicle unless you're going to run immediately to safety far off of the roadway when a break in traffic occurs. You need hundreds of feet separation between you and the crash area if you're going to be on foot out of your car.

[@LinkinPark4Ever1996]

Yes many times it's safer to stay in your vehicle, depends on the situation

[@batmore1]

Great narration, including observations that help/worsen choices for drivers in a similar situation

[@MidwestSafety]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@forthefunofit3230]

well if the IDIOTS weren't driving as if were dry......

[@palco22]

Rain, ice, slush, strait road, curved road, over a hill, over a bridge, under a bridge, day time, night time, fog, low sun light, setting sun, summer, autumn, winter, spring, wet leaves, etc. etc. etc. (Sounds of lamenting violins) Never do we hear LOUSY DRIVERS ! Stop saying that road conditions cause collisions (I did say COLLISIONS and not accidents). Roads conditions have never caused a collision, ever ! Until you change your narrative we will always tolerate LOUSY DRIVERS ! Get with it !

[@amzarnacht6710]

Road conditions *cause* collisions. Don't fool yourself. In this instance going from a warm, damp road to ice **caused** this entire incident. No matter how well you're driving and how safe you are, when your tires no longer have traction you're a passenger, **NOT** a vehicle operator. In other cases road conditions may contribute, slightly or heavily, to collisions. But ice (and to a lesser extent standing water in blind spots) cause them, flat out.

[@palco22]

@@amzarnacht6710 Sorry you think that way. I'll bet you know of some "notorious" intersection somewhere that causes lots of "accidents" !.......or maybe a "bad curve"......or the infamous "dead man's curve". Hone your driving skills and stop blaming inanimate objects.

[@amzarnacht6710]

@@palco22 When you learn to drive, perhaps you can offer advice.

[@RLTtizME]

There will always always always be lousy drivers lovey. What are you lousy at sweetie? I bet I can guess. Get with it!

[@palco22]

@@RLTtizME Very sad comment considering that such attitudes guaranty plenty of videos for all. Unfortunately, you refuse to accept facts.....and deflecting fault elsewhere is so much easier.

[@normanott644]

Pay attention, you have to drive for the other driver because their head is not in the car.

[@richardyoung9024]

Another example of people driving too fast for the road, or overpass, conditions.

[@braddalton9260]

Love the great info u put out everyone on road should see this I'm a truck driver and have seen my share of crashes and feeling helpless is not a good feeling be prepared with road flares Lights fire extinguishers don't assume people see u make sure traffic has plenty of warning getting upstream to do so while not blocking traffic in case they can't stop doing this can save both ur life and others helping by preventing a secondary crash is just as important as providing aid to crash if not more important secondary crashes are where lives are lost be careful and don't rush to the crash help them first by making sure no one hits them then once traffic is safe provide aid and remember if u see someone stoped always assume it's a crash and there is reason pay attention and be careful merry Christmas

[@irishfuk3219]

Man get out of your car get on the other side of the guardrail about 100 ft and call 911 do not stay in your vehicle. Did you see that jeep come flying through that accident scene? And not to mention the poor man that lost his life did he not? Thank you for the video brother as horrific as it is it is a fantastic warning tale

[@GodBlessedAmerica]

A lot to do with driving to fast for conditions.

[@mro-aviation]

Everyone knows that acting as a cushion so the next car that comes and plows on to your car will minimize damage to your personal vehicle... sarcasm

[@billnelson7254]

Excellent review of this incident!

[@thomaspaquette9991]

Chilling at the very end. You can tell the officers realized that the individual that got struck was laying in the ditch.

[@TheWabbit]

Always, Always vacate the vehicle and get behind the guardrail as soon as it is safe to do so. Pile ups in Michigan and Wisconsin when I lived there always involved semi trucks and that caused most fatalities. People were either crushed by the 3rd or 4th impact or vehicles were hit hard enough to split fuel tanks and people were trapped then a fire started.

[@clifflofgrin5962]

Trucks big, heavy. IMO lots of these accidents originate with 4 wheelers. Not always, but truck involved not the same as truck created/caused. Need a take-home DL test at license renewal time for cars, not about laws/rules but one about ice and causes/results of accidents. Example - dog in roadway. Do you hit the dog OR steer into oncoming traffic?

[@TheWabbit]

@@clifflofgrin5962 Yeah, I never blamed it on the big rigs especially since I was a Truck driver quite a few years back! The point I was making is the areas I live/lived had a large number of trucks on the road and that made these situations worse due the extra weight and multiple hits cars would take.

[@clifflofgrin5962]

@@TheWabbit Your orig cmnt seemed the right place to state my case for the un-smart to not always blame the trucks. Your posts were fine. I get defensive FOR the professionals. It bothers me that the person who caused it is often (?) not actually in the pileup, nor caught, nor learns. Edit; I know trucks hydroplane more easily and take longer to stop. You'd be proud of how I interact with tractor-trailers. 40,000 pounds makes a big boom! My Dad taught me "U R driving 2 tons of death"

[@TheWabbit]

@@clifflofgrin5962 Fair enough! You have that right! With dashcams getting used more those people are being tracked down by the insurance companies these days. Occasionally the police will seek out someone but only if someone is injured or worse.

[@clifflofgrin5962]

@@TheWabbit acknowledged. Thanks. I made a slight mod/edit to my post. I shall delete just this ONE and leave the others.

[@Mythtician]

More of these informative videos please. Doing a great job!

[@jeansherwood2428]

Ditto and agreed.

[@Danimal-D-Animal]

I'm surprised there weren't more accidents. Every bridge deck between the Mall of America and Saint Cloud was Black Ice by 12:30 a.m.

[@garychlastawa8277]

I was about 100 yards back in similar weather conditions, saw someone tap their brakes up ahead, tapped mine and found out the wet road was now ice. Fortunately everyone maintained control on the straight section, but would have been just like those in the video even if I saw the pile 200 yards ahead.

[@DollJessi4u]

I was thinking 'Why the heck is that guy not on the other side of the guardrail'. There's a Darwin award recipient. Hope he is ok.

[@Slicerwizard]

He's dead.

[@smsfte4699]

There should be like an annual continuing education all licensed drivers should have to take where they watch videos like this. Any professional organization has required continued education, of mostly stuff they don’t need to know, yet driving which people can die from doesn’t. Why? Well I know the answer, it’s $.

[@keithqueen3554]

Amazing how some people drive with their eyes closed.🤬🤬

[@ste6826]

Good analysis and tips.

[@bf6048]

NEVER EXIT your vehicle. It’s your only chance of survival for those that keep crashing into the pileup.

[@f270]

Or do it quickly

[@IdahoPohTaToh]

@@f270 NO! Do NOT exit your vehicle. Guaranteed a car sliding at 60 mph is quicker than you!! Only exit after several minutes of no vehicles continuing to impact.

[@bubbagreen7724]

I don't miss this commute at all. I have since been working from home due to the pandemic. This commute for me was not only long, but congested as the demands on this 2 lane stretch of hwy is just too much.

[@generalfreddie]

At home is nice in the winter

[@TileGuyJesse]

"Speed may have been a factor." How many times do we hear/read that.

[@Lumilan]

I don't understand how you can have a car accident WITHOUT speed.....

[@kfelix2934]

yeap, I never heard of accident report where the report read "only if they where going faster this accident could have been avoid or reduce " maybe for airplanes but surely not for cars+trucks with wheels

[@edwilko8819]

Wow some crazy examples of not paying attention ahead while driving most of those cars could of slowed right down and not crash when seeing the others smashed.

[@philiplindley7384]

I love the way Americans just get out of their cars without a thought of what's going to happen by leaving cars randomly across a roadway. No attempt to stop a bigger accident.

[@mattingray5651]

That is the most stupid thing to stand next to the car during a crash (due to visibility). If they can't see the car (big with light), how in the hell they are going to see a person.

[@jlb8696]

You go pass overpass please slow down on winter because overpass black ice nothing insulated the bridge everything freeze

[@whyuneedtoknow]

I am always surprised at how folks do not slow down when going over a bridge or overpass. Or how they accelerate or brake...just let your foot off the gas when crossing, take your time, and get to the other side unscathed. Merry Christmas everyone!! 🎄☃️🎀

[@Midala87]

Or how they will ride someone's tail and then brake and then accelerate again really close and brake constantly. I understand if the car in front isn't maintaining speed and it has to be done on occasion but if there was a proper following distance then braking constantly isn't required.

[@MaxChillin]

Oh man. Prayers to the man who exited his vehicle and waited on road.

[@jaysalazar3755]

On icey road I never go on the highway

[@runyon888]

Limited visibility? You mean the speeding a-holes couldn't see their speedometer?

[@Kyle-ut4jg]

Exactly, there definitely wasn't any limited visibility.

[@MagentaRV]

The next question is what can the MNDOT do to reduce incidents like this in the future? Since it seems they already have cameras in place, and I'm assuming someone is watching screens for these cameras, perhaps adding a couple blue/red flashing lights on the sides of the bridge at the highest points so the person watching the cameras can flip a switch to turn the lights on/off to warn incoming drivers and slow people down sooner?

[@egg-roll8968]

Lower the speed and/or install speed cameras during winter time since icy conditions can happen anytime esp when no one is watching the camera, best course is preventing it in total not just when it looks like it can happen. People will see the lights and recall all the times nothing has happened, a speed camera will enforce the speed. Flashing lights warning of potential conditions are equal to the icy bridge signs, people will eventually ignore them. Only time to use lights is when a obvious danger is near, to avoid complacency.

[@realoneamariyanna3282]

Being from Michigan yea you can't drive like ass hats and think it's gonna be okay 🤦‍♀️ you GOTTA look out for yourself and other's too at ALL TIME'S.

[@thomasj3701]

Is ass hat a Michigan term? My girlfriend is from Michigan as uses it from time to time and she's the only other person I've heard say it until now.

[@realoneamariyanna3282]

@@thomasj3701 AYYYYYYYYYY MY MICHIGANDER SISTER HEY HEY HEY 🤣

[@realoneamariyanna3282]

@@thomasj3701 Must be lol because I only heard Michigan people use it too and I live out west and I said it and a couple from New York asked are you from Michigan lol so it must be a Michigan thing 🤣

[@sevenohnine]

Oh man, this video brings back some PTSD issues since I have been in similar events. Now I try not to drive in the early morning hours when there is a chance of ice. I always switch to snow tires when the temperature dips in November, and slow way the f*ck down in the winter months. I think people need to get out of the way if their vehicle is still operative and don't be standing around on the highway like that dude.

[@timheersma4708]

Speed too fast for conditions place s a major role as well. The risk for black ice or flash freeze escalates when the temperature passes the freezing point and when wind is slightly providing shear force against the vehicles.

[@jorgeruiz288]

if there isnt specific warning signs before the low visibility road hazard caused by the arching bridge then this is perhaps the main factor for such a pile up. especially for the lack of considering warning the so many potential new or non-local drivers.

[@LFTRnow]

This makes me think there should be some kind of changable sign ahead of such possible accidents. Perhaps not before every hill, but before a bridge where one could easily ice up? That makes sense. It could probably even be automated - machine vision and/or radar/lidar could trigger the sign to warn of potential pile-up ahead. It would probably pay for itself with the first crash is saved lives and millions of $ - both in terms of reducing damage, as well as improving traffic overall. Even better would be to put the sign back far enough to allow escape to an off-ramp.

[@smoke05s]

wow only one like. I think that says it all why we will continue to be entertained by these winter driving videos well into the future.

[@antr7493]

holy crap i had my volume way to high. your deep voice scared the shit out of me 🤣

[@carsonkelly2123]

They should show the guy getting hit so people can see what happens if you don’t protect yourself. There is no shock value to this. If you don’t want to see it, don’t watch. Narrator should say discretion advised.

[@losttribe3001]

I saw a man die in Utah during a snowstorm because he got out of his vehicle. It is statistically safer to stay in your car in these situations…as the van driver in this unfortunately found out.

[@MattyIcecubes]

I made it out of what ended up being a 29 car pileup while being smack dab in the middle of it. In fact, it was being in the middle lane that got me out unscathed. The first crash occurred probably around 1000 feet ahead of me in the fast lane. One of the cars careened over across my lane and into the slow lane where the driver about 100 feet ahead of me slammed into it head on. I had to serve to the left sharply to avoid getting sucked into that crash. I fishtailed for a few seconds before finally regaining control, and I remember looking in the mirror and seeing total carnage erupting behind me, and the middle lane was now blocked by wreckage. Went straight home and immediately turned on the news, and sure enough, they were on the scene. Miraculously, nobody was killed, but there were some very serious, life changing injuries.

[@afa78djd]

One has a good feel for how much space one needs to come to a complete stop depending on how much one can see in front, up ahead further down the road. Good rule of thumb, if you can't see further than say 3-4 car lengths in front of you, you better slow the heck down, way down.

[@patmcbride9853]

I bet that white pickup was still able to maneuver and get out of the way.

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

As a daily road user this is my worst nightmare

[@belindajohansen2899]

I thought you were never ever supposed to get out of a vehicle when it is part of this type of a situation because you don't know where other vehicles are going to slide. I do understand that allows for the possible sandwich effect where you're getting hit from multiple sides or might be caught getting shoved under a semi at some point which is obviously not in this video. But at least in your car you have airbags and a metal framework.

[@MidwestSafety]

Yeah, I’m generally in agreement with this perspective, for what it’s worth

[@MrChassmith]

Look around, and in all your mirrors if you can. Then, when you have no other vehicles approaching, get out and go over the barrier. One caveat: be CERTAIN you are not on a bridge or overpass before doing so.

[@RussellJohnson-ux9iv]

I think staying In the vehicle is the safest spot

[@palco22]

You just can't think that staying in the vehicle is the safest spot ! If you get in such a bad situation and a semi pushes your vehicle into the rear of another semi (At any speed) you will most likely see the Grand Stairway !

[@grahvis]

It should be noted that the road surface on bridges is very likely to be colder and therefore icy, as it doesn't have the higher temperature of the earth beneath it making it slightly warmer.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Most new cars come with an outside temperature display. When it gets down to 1 or 2 degrees, slow down and pay attention.

[@keithalderson100]

The 'sudden change in traction' mentioned is a well known phenomenon; ice ALWAYS forms first on overpasses; here there is no moderating of the plunging night time air temperatures that does happen on roads built on the ground, hence due to there being no warming effect from below and access above and below to the 'wind chill effect too, the road surface on an overpass and any water on it freezes first. Trust this helps keep drivers safe. In the UK there are permanent year round signs as one approaches some overpasses (obviously the drivers know to ignore the signs when the air temperature is well above freezing) - where wind is known to cool both the top and bottom of the road structure; just to get the drivers thinking about ice at these places - when all around the roads are still safe and free from ice.

[@fernarias]

So, after an accident, no one thinks to move their car to the side of the road when it's still drivable.

[@ObiWanCannabi]

man i read "169 car pile up" even had the pombears out lol

[@jodaso]

So glad we are saving money on salt and sand. TOTALLY WORTH IT

[@davejay15]

If your in a pile up like that. Get the heck out of the car get away from the scene. A semi will go right over a guard rail. Get as far away from the crash as possible. Thats why when it gets shifty you wear correct clothing shoes made for winter your jacket is on you. Sometimes you gotta act fast. No time to say oh wheres my gloves or jacket. Your life may depend on speed . That young guy was 2 feet away from living. What shame. All he had to do was step over the guard rail and he d been fine. Instead he got out his phone. Never stand between cars or front of them. Face the traffic so you can see whats coming. Be read to move away.

[@davidroberts6594]

Problem is you can't know for sure if the bridge is icy or not until you drive on it. It can look icy but just be wet.nhad a similar situation driving to work in Michigan but somehow managed to slide between everyone. Learned it was usually one bridge that was the worst.

[@jsnyara]

we should use the road signs like all the states south of us. "Bridges Ice before roads"

[@1packatak]

They have them in PA. No one pays attention.

[@greyjay9202]

A key factor is the failure of the DOT to spray brine or cast salt and sand on the bridge roadway. There should also be a lighted traffic sign warning that the bridge can be icy, and to slow down. Of course, excessive speed is always a major factor in these wintertime crashes. The turtle, not the rabbit, wins the race -- by surviving.

[@benjaminpettibone4254]

I have noticed that the spray brine is making the roads more icy, not less. Been driving MN roads since 1985. Sand and salt/sand mix is best. The brine is making our roads much more dangerous. Also, bad driving habits along with more congested roads are most obviously contributing factors.

[@halbos7637]

Also look at the actions of municipalities, and their DOT organizations. Here it is, 2021 and we are still operating as we did in and around 1960 or so. In some states, they until the sun rises melt some of the ice and snow and after a number of traffic fatalities and accidents have occurred. Again, we wonder why our insurance premiums keep going up each year.

[@scottphillips7108]

Whenever you are approaching a bridge/overpass in wintertime slow down and assume it may be iced over and can cause slide outs... The roads are insulated by the ground around and under them... Bridges are not insulated by the ground and have nothing under them [except cold air] and can ice up where other parts along the road won't... It can give a false sense of security when driving along the roads and they don't seem iced up until you hit a bridge and start sliding out... They should come up with a way to heat bridges so this doesn't occur... I was a passenger in a pickup my brother was driving who did a complete 180 over a iced bridge doing 70mph... Thankfully we spun a complete circle on the bridge and ended up pointing in the correct direction and were able to regain control and continue on...

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Can’t wait to see self driving cars in the mix😏😬

[@723kwrenn]

Idea: put a blinking sign a 1/4 mile ahead of the bridge. It can just be red lights. Have a sensor at beginning then one at the end

[@brneyedgurl08]

I was thinking the same thing and/or to upgrade speed limit signs nationwide so they're electronic lit signs and can be set to lower speed limits during inclement weather.

[@thunderbear0]

This is one of the reasons im going to get and install mini blue amber light bar on my vehicle And flares helps alot Just turn it on and throw it on the high ground like gernade

[@bluediamond932]

Amazes me that drivers in Snowy states still don't get it

[@actionnew]

0:39 why didnt the top 2 of those vehicles drtive on to the side of the road? they are not disabled.

[@hacksawtheonly]

One lapse in judgment is all it takes. Poor folks, hope they heal up.

[@tommmy1313]

Pros know that bridges and overpasses are prone for quick ice build up in subzero conditions even if there’s no ice anywhere else ..yet

[@sct4501]

Sub-freezing

[@tommmy1313]

@@sct4501 thanks 😊

[@devynselnes4282]

Move your fucking cars people!!!!! Holy fuck

[@CharlieBitMyFinger-bang]

- If your vehicle still moves, and unless there are severe injuries...MOVE TO THE SIDE of the road. If you cannot move, stay in your vehicle and remain buckled up! -

[@cliffnelson1174]

If you cant see that sheen on the road... You need to stay home.

[@chancebershaw7883]

Is there footage of the original 3-vehicle crash?

[@MidwestSafety]

No, unfortunately

[@randallbates9020]

That guy standing there is toast. He took a direct impact from a 5000 lb vehicle traveling at least 50 mph. Yikes. I would try to at least stay in my vehicle and see if it would start back up and move off that spot, but I am also a realist and it wasn't me making those decisions, what a shame, right before Christmas.

[@interwebber]

This happened last April...