Icy Conditions Lead to Crash on Emlenton-Clintonville Road

A Harrisville man escaped injury after crashing his vehicle in Scrubgrass Township, according to state police.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 31-year-old Harrisville man was driving a 2019 Subaru XV Crosstrek westbound on Emlenton-Clintonville Road in Scrubgrass Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania when he lost control of the vehicle due to icy and snowy road conditions. The vehicle left the roadway, hit a ditch, and came to rest on its driver's side, but the driver was uninjured.

Why it matters

Icy road conditions are a common cause of crashes during the winter months, especially on rural roads. This incident highlights the importance of safe driving practices and the need for proper road maintenance to ensure public safety.

The details

According to the Pennsylvania State Police report, Byron W. Devault was traveling at approximately 45 mph when he lost traction while negotiating a left-hand curve. The Subaru XV Crosstrek left the roadway, hit a ditch on the north side, and came to a rest on its driver's side. Airbags were deployed, but Devault was wearing a seatbelt and escaped the crash without injury.

  • The crash occurred at approximately 9:17 a.m. on February 22, 2026.

The players

Byron W. Devault

A 31-year-old man from Harrisville, Pennsylvania who was driving the vehicle involved in the crash.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution and adjust their speeds accordingly when navigating icy or snowy roads, especially on rural roads with curves. Proper road maintenance by local authorities is also crucial to prevent such crashes and ensure public safety during the winter months.