Winter Car Crashes are More Frequent but Less Fatal

snowy-street-and-cars Dangerous winter weather conditions, such as snow, sleet and ice, account for nearly 500,000 car accidents in the U.S. each year.

Following the winter storm that blanketed the east coast recently, many of Pennsylvania’s roadways were covered with thick snow and layers of ice, making it virtually impossible for motorists to drive safely.

However, according to a recent report from the American Automobile Association (AAA), winter weather-related car accidents are less likely to be fatal than accidents that occur during any other season.

The New AAA Winter Weather Driving Report

AAA researchers analyzed data pertaining to weather-related car crashes across the U.S. The results of the study were surprising, as the number of injuries and fatalities from wintertime accidents were significantly lower than those associated with rain or fog-related accidents.

The AAA winter weather driving report included the following statistics from 2015:

Rainy and foggy weather caused 539,909 car crashes, 214,641 injuries and 2,613 deaths
Snowy weather caused 189,416 car accidents, 51,267 injuries and 523 fatalities
Sleet was responsible for 36,491 crashes, 11, 644 injuries and 143 traffic deaths

Overall, accidents that occurred on snowy or icy roads resulted in 31 percent fewer injuries and 47 percent fewer fatalities than accidents that occurred during rainy, foggy, or even favorable weather conditions.

While this particular study did not analyze data regarding the impact wintry weather has on the overall risk of being in a car crash, other studies have found that car accident rates increase in the wintertime, yet the increase is seen in minor crashes and fender-benders that are unlikely to result in severe injury or death.

Despite the surprising results of AAA’s latest winter driving study, the car accident attorneys at Schmidt Kramer encourage everyone to stay safe while driving on icy or snow-covered roads.

During adverse winter weather conditions, always remember to decrease your speed, maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others, and be sure your vehicle’s brakes are in good working order before driving.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a wintertime car accident, contact Schmidt Kramer today for a free evaluation of your case. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

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New Study says Wintertime Car Accidents Happen More Often But are Less Likely to be Fatal

The New AAA Winter Weather Driving Report