Many motorists associate the winter months with unsafe driving conditions. They may operate under the assumption that snowy or icy roads are the most dangerous road conditions possible. The Seattle area sees hundreds of weather-related crashes every year, and some of them are the result of winter weather conditions.
However, transportation statistics challenge the idea that snow or ice on the roads is the single most dangerous weather condition. According to federal crash data, snowy streets only account for 24% of all weather-related collisions each year. Only 15% happened during active snowfall or sleet.
What road conditions related to weather are actually the most dangerous for drivers?
Wet pavement is the top crash risk factor
According to an analysis of weather at the time of collisions, active precipitation isn’t even necessary for drivers to be at elevated risk of a crash. Motorists who stay inside until a rainstorm stops or snow ceases aren’t necessarily able to avoid the most serious weather-related traffic safety issue.
Wet pavement is present at the scene of 75% of all weather-related traffic collisions. Rainstorms only account for 47% of the weather-related crashes reported. Even on days when there is no precipitation, pavement might be wet because of snow melting or overnight fog or mist leaving moisture behind on the pavement.
Wet pavement affects vehicle traction. Motorists might have a difficult time stopping quickly and could be at risk of losing control if they must maneuver abruptly. Drivers typically need to reduce their travel speeds when they are on wet pavement. They may also want to increase their stopping distance and take more time when conducting maneuvers such as merging or passing.
Given how frequently rain falls in the Seattle area, drivers can’t necessarily stay off the road every time the pavement is wet. However, they can adjust their driving and hold others accountable if they cause car crashes.
Learning more about what factors increase crash risk can help people improve their traffic safety and demand accountability from drivers who do not make safety-conscious travel decisions. Drivers who cause motor vehicle collisions by driving unsafely on wet roads may be liable for the harm they cause others.