The Real Danger with Winter Car Accidents

Believe it or not, summer and fall months see more deadly crashes than winter or spring months. However, that doesn’t mean that winter weather isn’t capable of wreaking havoc. On average, more than 100 people die every day from car crashes in the United States. For a single day, the death toll can range from 45 to 252 people.

Even though we are all aware of the general dangers of winter storms, you may not know that the leading cause of death from winter storms comes from automobile or transportation accidents.

The Numbers are Staggering  

According to the Federal Highway Administration, 70 percent of the nation’s roads are located in snowy regions. Along those lines, nearly 70 percent of the U.S. population lives in these snowy regions, which means that a lot of us have to deal with winter storms. Below are some other sobering statistics about winter accidents.

  • Every year nearly 900 people are killed and about 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet.
  • Freeway speeds are reduced by 3 to 13 percent in light snow and by 5 to 40 percent in heavy snow.
  • Average speeds on arterial roads decline by 30 to 40 percent on snowy or slushy pavement.
  • Over 13,000 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement annually.
  • Winter road maintenance accounts for roughly 20 percent of state Department of Transportation maintenance budgets.
  • Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.

Preparing for Winter Storms Behind the Wheel

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you’re prepared in the event of winter weather or a winter storm.

  • Keep your car winterized before the winter storm season starts.
  • Keep your cellphone charged and with you if you’re planning on traveling.
  • Keep a disaster supplies kit in the truck of your car. This can include blankets or sleeping bags, extra sets of clothing and cold-weather gear accessories, high energy snacks, jumper cables, a flashlight and batteries, and a first aid kit.
  • Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in your trunk.
  • Keep your car’s gas tank full – both in case of emergencies and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Tell whoever you’re going to visit that you’re on your way!

If you do find yourself involved in an accident, you may find that you have a personal injury. Contact Balkin Law Group for a free case evaluation today by clicking here or calling 888-751-5908.