8 Common Causes of St. Louis Car Accidents in the Snow

Here are eight of the most common reasons St. Louis car accidents happen in the snow.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 1.3 million car accidents are caused by inclement weather conditions each year. And of those, around 627,000 result from snow and ice.

Here are eight of the most common reasons St. Louis car accidents happen in the snow.

Icy Roads

One of the most common causes of snow-related accidents is icy roads. When ice covers the road, it becomes very slippery and can cause cars to lose control or spin out. Sadly, according to research from NHTSA, more than 135,000 people are injured each year due to icy roads.

Driver Error

Driver error is another leading cause of weather-related accidents. The NHTSA reports that 30% of all winter car accidents are caused by driver error. Some examples include speeding or driving too fast for conditions and not paying attention while behind the wheel.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Poorly maintained vehicles can lead to significant problems on the road. For example, when a car isn’t properly tuned up or has low tire pressure, it can be much more challenging to drive in the snow. In fact, poorly maintained vehicles were responsible for around 17% of all winter car accidents.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is also a common problem during bad weather conditions. For example, when it’s cold outside, and there’s a lot of snow on the ground, it can be challenging to stay alert while driving.

Poor Visibility

When it’s snowing outside, it can be challenging to see other cars, pedestrians, or cyclists on the road leading to car accidents.

Road Rage

Road rage is also a big problem in bad weather conditions. When people are stressed out about being late or getting stuck in traffic, they may act irrationally and recklessly on the road. This is especially common during winter when there’s traffic snarl-up.

Poor Vehicle Choice

Not every vehicle is designed for driving in snowstorms. So, if you’re planning to drive in snowy conditions, it’s best to choose a reliable car that can handle inclement weather.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another big problem on the road, especially during bad weather conditions. It’s not a good time to be texting or talking on the phone when it’s snowing outside, and you’re trying not to slide into other cars or lose control.

How to Stay Safe When Driving in Winter

Now that we’ve highlighted the common causes of snow accidents, here are tips to help you drive safely when it’s snowing:

• Slow down!
• Ensure there’s enough space between you and the car in front.
• Be keen on the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
• Don’t rush and avoid any abrupt movement.

Seeking Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by bad weather conditions, it’s highly recommended that you seek legal help. The experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm have been helping car accident victims for 25 years and have a proven track record of success. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.