1. Annually, there are nearly 5,891,000 car accidents in the US, with around 1.2 million, or 21%, caused by hazardous weather conditions, per NHTSA.
2. Approximately 17% of vehicle accidents take place during winter weather conditions.
3. Annually, there are approximately 156,000 crashes caused by icy roads.
4. In winter, hazardous pavement conditions lead to a significant number of injuries and fatalities among Americans, with over 116,000 injuries and more than 1,300 fatalities reported.
5. Every year, 24% of vehicle crashes related to weather occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement, while 15% happen during snowfall or sleet.
6. The rain contributes to crashes, injuries, and fatalities as follows: 11% for crashes, 10% for injuries, and 8% for fatalities.
7. Every year, a significant number of people are killed or injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet, with approximately 900 fatalities and nearly 76,000 injuries reported.
8. Annually, there are more than 38,700 automobile accidents that happen in foggy conditions.
9. On an annual basis, 75 percent of vehicle crashes caused by weather conditions occur on wet pavement, with 47 percent happening during rainfall.
10. Weather-related automobile crashes in the U.S. have resulted in an average of 5,376 fatalities each year, making up approximately 16 percent of all vehicular deaths.
According to the NHTSA, there are approximately 5,891,000 car accidents in the US every year, with around 1.2 million, or 21%, being caused by hazardous weather conditions.
Each year, millions of car accidents occur across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 5,891,000 car accidents happen annually in the US. Of those, a significant number are caused by hazardous weather conditions.
According to the NHTSA’s most recent estimates, an estimated 1.2 million car accidents each year, or approximately 21%, are attributed to hazardous weather conditions. These accidents lead to thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities each year. [1]
The most dangerous weather condition for driving is poor visibility, such as fog or heavy rain. Other hazardous weather conditions include snow, ice, and high winds. While these conditions vary by region and season, they can all present significant risks to drivers’ safety if they are not prepared.
Around 17% of vehicle accidents occur during cold winter weather conditions.
Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and it can lead to an increased risk of vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 17 percent of all vehicle crashes occur during winter conditions. While this may not seem like a large percentage, it still represents thousands of collisions each year. [2]
The most common type of winter-related crash occurs when vehicles slip or skid on icy roads.
Every year, there are an estimated 156,000 crashes caused by icy roads.
Weather-related accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence, with icy roads being the most hazardous type of weather condition.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were an estimated 156,000 crashes in occur due to icy roads. [2]
More than 116,000 Americans are injured, and over 1,300 are killed on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement every winter.
Every winter, icy and snow-covered roads can be extremely dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more than 116,000 Americans who are injured and over 1,300 are killed on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement every year.
Many of these accidents can often be avoided if drivers take the necessary precautions by slowing down, increasing their following distance, and being alert for black ice. [1]
Every year, 24% of vehicle crashes related to weather occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement, while 15% happen during snowfall or sleet.
Every year, the dangers that can come with inclement weather are highlighted by the statistics of vehicle crashes related to weather. According to AAA, 24% of these types of accidents occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. Another 15% takes place during snowfall or sleet storms. [1]
Snow and ice can cause difficult driving conditions due to decreased traction between tires and the road surface. To avoid these dangerous conditions, drivers should reduce speed when driving on snow and ice-covered roads and always use caution.
Rain is responsible for 11% of crashes, 10% of injuries, and 8% of fatalities.
Rain is a major factor when it comes to accidents on the road. According to statistics, rain is responsible for 11% of all crashes in the United States, 10% of injuries, and 8% of fatalities.
These figures are alarming and highlight the need for drivers to exercise extra caution while driving in wet conditions. They can do this by reducing their speed, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and being aware of their surroundings to minimize the risk of accidents. [1]
During snowfall or sleet, there are nearly 900 fatalities and approximately 76,000 injuries caused by vehicle crashes annually.
Snow and sleet can be extremely dangerous for drivers. According to the NHTSA, during heavy snowfall or sleet, nearly 900 people are killed and approximately 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes every year.
Drivers can be prepared for inclement weather conditions by making sure their vehicles are properly maintained. They can adjust their driving speed and increase their following distance to allow for extra time to stop or maneuver if necessary. [3]
Every year, there are over 38,700 vehicle crashes that occur in fog.
Fog is a major weather element that can cause dangerous driving conditions and lead to numerous vehicle accidents each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were an estimated 38,700 vehicle crashes involving fog. Most of these crashes occurred during the morning and evening hours when visibility was more limited due to dense fog.
Each year, there are over 600 fatalities and more than 16,300 injuries caused by these crashes.
Fog is a particularly dangerous weather condition for drivers because it greatly reduces road visibility. When driving through fog it is recommended drivers use their low-beam headlights for safety.
Annually, 75% of vehicle crashes caused by weather conditions occur on wet pavement, with 47% percent happening during rainfall.
According to the National Weather Service, 75 percent of all vehicle crashes are caused by wet pavement, with 47 percent happening during rainfall.
These accidents are also responsible for a large number of fatalities. Approximately 5,700 individuals lose their lives, and over 544,700 individuals sustain injuries in accidents on wet roads each year. Annually, a significant number of individuals lose their lives or sustain injuries as a result of accidents that occur during rainfall, with over 3,400 fatalities and more than 357,300 injuries reported. [1]
Weather-related automobile crashes in the U.S. result in an average of 5,376 fatalities each year, making up approximately 16 percent of all vehicular deaths.
Weather-related car accidents are particularly devastating due to their frequency and the resulting fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, weather-related automobile crashes result in an average of 5,376 fatalities each year, making up approximately 16 percent of all vehicular deaths. This figure does not take into account the additional thousands of people who suffer serious injuries every year as a result of such incidents. During that same period, over 418,000 others sustained injuries.
To reduce the risk of weather-related automobile accidents, drivers should check the forecast before heading out and adjust their driving speed to match the conditions of the road. They should avoid driving if they feel tired or unsafe and ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and in good condition before operating them on the roads. [4]
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident & need an experienced auto accident lawyer, contact Goldberg & Loren’s experienced personal injury attorneys by calling 1-888-522-0335 or by filling out the form for a free consultation. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
Sources:
[1] Snow & Ice – FHWA Road Weather Management. (n.d.). https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/snow_ice.htm#
[2] 2023 Driving Statistics: The Ultimate List of Driving Stats. (n.d.). https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/
[3] Safety – Safe Winter Roads. (2020, July 16). Safe Winter Roads. https://safewinterroads.org/safety
[4] Channel, W., & Channel, W. (2022, February 5). Season’s First Big Snowstorm To Hit West, North Plains. The Weather Channel. https://weather.com/safety/winter/news/weather-fatalities-car-crashes-accidents-united-states
