A Michigan State trooper surveys the damage to this pickup truck that was involved in a rollover accident Tuesday morning on westbound I-69, just west of the Black Corners Road overpass in Imlay Township. The extent of the injuries to the driver were not available as of press time. Photo by MIKE MERCIER

During the barrage of rain and snow, Lapeer County's 911 dispatchers routed help to 78 vehicles stranded off the road, 56 traffic mishaps, and 22 road hazards.

On early morning Sunday, rain fell on the snow-packed gravel roads turning them into sleek impassable pathways that couldn't even be used by the rescuers.

"First responders, ambulances, wreckers — they're all sliding sideways," said 9-1-1 dispatcher Susan Atwell on Monday. "It's been ugly."

The slippery conditions of both days caused clusters of freak accidents throughout Lapeer County. In one of several Monday evening rush hour maladies, an eastbound I-69 jack-knifed semi clogged the roadway for hours in Elba Township.

A great number of the 47 ambulance calls dispatched by 9-1-1 were weather related.

A pedestrian walking on the side of Davison Road in Elba Township was struck at 4:45 p.m. by a passing truck driver who didn't see him. The man didn't suffer life threatening injuries.

A MacKenzie Lane resident in Hadley Township fell on the ice outdoors Monday morning and suffered injuries to his nose and head.

In an unusual circumstance, Lapeer County Sheriff's Department deputies agreed to pick up a jury member who couldn't navigate slippery Laur Road in Deerfield Township Monday morning. Deputy Dan Bybee's patrol car slid off the road. The jury member's father fell on the ice in his driveway and hit his head, said Sgt. Andy Engster. The ambulance that was summoned for him slid sideways down the road and became stuck.

Tow trucks trying to help stranded motorists became stuck themselves. Like many other companies, E&L Towing found themselves using their own equipment to free their own trucks.

"We were busy all day," said E&L Towing owner Ron McDougall. "There was one thing after another and our trucks became stuck. It was frustrating because we wanted to help, and people assume our trucks can go down anywhere."

Most tow companies told back road motorists they'd have to return on Monday to help them.

Law enforcement advises motorists to wait for the professionals who have the proper equipment. A man, 41, was severely injured on Atwell Road in Attica Monday morning when a chain he was using to remove a stranded car wrapped around his leg.

"Deputy Stacy Stimson stopped and talked to some guys who were pulling a car out," said Lapeer County Undersheriff Bob Rapson. "He advised them to stop because it looked like an accident waiting to happen. Twenty minutes later an ambulance was called."

The man suffered severe fractures to his leg both above and beyond his knee.

"I know it's frustrating to wait for help," Rapson said. "But it's better to wait for the experts who have the right equipment. There was an incident in Ohio a few years back where the rubber strap used by a young man to free his car snapped loose and killed his girlfriend."

The Greater Lapeer Transportation Authority declined back road travel on Monday.

"We're trying to stay in city limits," said GLTA dispatcher Helen Shenberger. "It's a definite mess on the back roads. We have a gentleman that comes in for dialysis, and of course we pick him up no matter what. People have been pretty nice about it."

Even the lifesavers were slipping and sliding.

"We had two rigs stuck and we've had some pretty close calls," said Lapeer County EMS Executive Director Galland Burnham. "We've really been making use of traction strips that someone in Imlay City donated to us. They don't work in all cases, but we're really glad to have them. We can't wait for spring."

The Lapeer County Road Commission was scraping and sanding the back roads all day Monday. The road department can't use salt as it would turn dirt and gravel roads into impassable mush.

Many motorists made use of the sand barrels left for use at most problem intersections on the back roads.

"We know from history which ones are bad," said Lapeer County Road Commission Managing Director Rick Pearson. "I would advise people to keep a five pound bag of sand and a small shovel in the truck of their vehicle during the winter. My wife carries a small garden shovel to put the sand under her tires, and she goes."

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com