Between 2011 and 2015, there was an average of 800 deaths in the U.S. due to car accidents in winter weather conditions.
Even for an experienced driver, driving safely in winter weather can be challenging. After months of driving in mild weather conditions, it is easy to forget that driving in snow and ice can be difficult.
According to NHTSA, 17% of all car crashes occur during the winter months. Therefore, special attention should be given to preparing for driving in winter conditions.
Winter Accident Statistics
Between 2011 and 2015, there was an average of 800 deaths in the U.S. due to car accidents in snow, sleet, freezing rain, or ice. The most common cause of these accidents is driving too fast for conditions.
NHTSA reports that in 2015 the most common times for deadly winter auto accidents were between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The deadliest day of the week was Saturday where 286 of the accidents happened. Friday came in second, with 197 fatal wrecks.
While people typically think of storms, tornadoes, and floods causing bad weather conditions, winter weather accidents dwarf the number of deaths resulting from weather-related incidents. One of the factors for St. Louis drivers is that we typically don’t have long severe winters. This means that many of us are not as experienced as people from other states, such as Ohio, who are accustomed to driving in bad winter weather.
Liability for a Winter Car Accident
While winter accidents are common, it is not always easy to determine liability because liability can shift to someone other than the driver in some situations. A negligent driver can be held liable for a crash that results from their actions. For instance, if they don’t allow enough space between the vehicle in front of them for a safe breaking distance on ice. However, in some cases, winter accidents are unavoidable, no matter how careful a driver might be.
Another issue involves accidents where more than two vehicles are involved. The chances of an accident involving multiple vehicles in winter is much higher when compared to other seasons. For instance, it becomes extremely difficult to determine liability when two more drivers are sliding on an icy roadway. Usually, in such cases, the lawyers of the driver or insurance company will attempt to show that one driver failed to use reasonable care for the driving conditions, however, often times a jury will decide whether one of the drivers is to blame or the conditions.
Seeking Legal Help in a Winter Auto Accident
Determining liability for a car wreck that occurred during winter can often be tricky because there may be several factors involved that were beyond the driver’s control. If you have been involved in a winter car accident, call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., to help determine liability and recover adequate compensation for your injuries.
Free Consultation (314) 361-4242Why Do Most Winter Car Crashes Happen?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) analyzed average auto accident data available from the period between 2002 and 2012. Here are some key findings.
From snowfall to fog and icy roads, drivers will deal with a number of issues while driving during the winter season. Severe weather conditions pose a higher risk of car accidents during the winter. This winter season, drive with extra care and make preparations to lower the risk of getting involved in an accident.
The Risks of Winter Driving
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) analyzed average auto accident data available from the period between 2002 and 2012. Here are some key findings.
- Most pavements remain soggy during the winter season. A total of 959,760, or around 17 percent, of all auto accidents, were caused by wet pavement.
- 4 out of 100 auto accidents were caused by snow and hail.
- Icy pavement accounted for around 3 out of 100 auto accidents.
- 3 out of 100 auto accidents were caused by slippery, snowy pavement.
- Fog accounted for 1 out of 100 auto accidents.
- Bad weather conditions accounted for a total of 1,311,970 auto accidents.
- Statistics reveal that bad weather conditions cause around 23 out of 100 auto accidents in the United States every year.
Safety Tips for Winter Driving
- While planning for a long drive, look at the weather report. If there is any forecast for heavy snowfall or hailstorms, consider revising your road trip, especially if you are planning to visit an isolated area. There may not be available help when visiting an isolated area.
- Many roads remain wet and slippery during the winter. As a result, it is difficult to bring a vehicle to a sudden stop. Drive slowly when road conditions are wet.
- Do not follow the vehicle in front too closely. Keep a safe distance from the car in front; the distance should be long enough to bring your car to a stop in around nine seconds.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer – Seeking Compensation
If you get injured by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Consider talking to a St. Louis car accident lawyer to know your legal rights. Call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!