It's safe to say that most of us have probably had our struggles with winter driving and have maybe even learned a lesson or two after an incident on an icy or snowy road. Back in January 2018, former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. had some sound advice of his own after losing control in the snow. As it turns out, even professional race car drivers struggle in dicey winter conditions.
After a boatload of snow was dumped on Charlotte, North Carolina, Dale Jr. came across some folks in distress and decided to help them out. Karma, which was clearly off that day, repaid his kindness by slamming his car into a tree. That's just some rough luck. Following the accident, here's what the 15-time Cup Series Most Popular Driver and current NASCAR broadcaster said via Twitter: "NC stay off the roads today/tonight. 5 minutes after helping these folks I center punched a pine tree. All good. Probably just needs a new alignment."
NC stay off the roads today/tonight. 5 minutes after helping these folks I center punched a pine tree. All good. Probably just needs a new alignment. pic.twitter.com/OfA5Q28jew
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 17, 2018
Later, Junior was surprised by the response and all the attention his post got. He went on to clarify the exact nature of the incident, saying, "Getting all kinds of text that I was in a traffic accident today. I just scratched my winch on the trunk of a pine. No crash. Just driving too fast in the snow. Being a bit of a fool."
Getting all kinds of text that I was in a traffic accident today. I just scratched my winch on the trunk of a pine. No crash. Just driving too fast in the snow. Being a bit of a fool.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 18, 2018
He clarified that his accident was not that bad, as it only involved his vehicle's winch and a pine tree. Regardless of the severity of the situation, losing control on the road is still losing control, even if you admit you were just being a "bit of a fool." This definitely could've ended a lot worse. But, it's a good thing Junior learned his lesson. Given that his NASCAR career is a few years behind him, I'm guessing that he's way more cautious when getting behind the wheel, especially if bad weather is a factor.
