Caution urged after ice, accidents reported on secondary roads Monday morning

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (WPVI) -- Motorists and pedestrians were urged to use caution heading out Monday morning, after icy conditions and several minor accidents were reported on secondary roads.

Action News was getting word of several minor accidents across the region early Monday, including one at 13th and Vine Streets in Center City Philadelphia that sent one car up onto the sidewalk.

Both drivers were treated for minor injuries.

Patches of black ice were reported on numerous side streets after moisture left over from yesterday's heavy rainfall froze overnight.

Untreated driveways and sidewalks were also proving treacherous.

Major highways in the area appeared pose less of a problem.

PennDOT crews were out in force overnight preparing major arteries for the Monday morning commute after dozens of crashes on icy roads Sunday led to 3 deaths.

As of early Monday morning, most main roads and highways appeared to be ice-free, but motorists were still being urged to slow down and stay vigilant.

PennDOT started calling in crews on Sunday evening to prepare major roadways for the morning commute.

"I had to go to work this morning and I sat in traffic for an hour and a half," Miranda Dingui told Action News Sunday night.

"I'm hoping tomorrow will be better," said Kathy Heisler.

"I'm nervous because I drive to Downingtown for school, and I commute from the Pottstown area so I'm just hoping maybe there is no school," said Brittany Reynolds.

At 8:00 p.m. Sunday, the trucks loaded up and started salting the roads that were already to beginning to freeze.

About 135 trucks began working on the highways mostly in Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks counties.

"I was actually just on the phone with my mom. She was freaking out, she was like, 'You have to get home.' I live out in the Reading area and she said there is black ice everywhere, temperatures dropping," said Dingui.

At midnight 22 more trucks began salting in Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

"You have no control over your car and you just slide. It's really scary," said Reynolds.

The traffic jams, wet roads, and news of the deadly crashes had many drivers concerned about the Monday morning commute.

"Typically you just have to just take your time and make sure you don't end up in a ditch somewhere," said Ed Arthur.

PennDOT says drive slow, give yourself extra space, and be careful for slick spots or if possible, just stay inside.

"When I see the icy roads like what we had this morning, I make sure I wait until everything is all cleared up before I get out and venture out on the roads," said Arthur.