Rain is the Biggest Driving Hazard

According to a new analysis of federal data, snow and ice are not the most deadly driving hazards. That title goes to rain, which causes more fatalities than snow in 39 out of 50 states. Weather-related accidents in general cause thousands of accidents every year and at least 7,000 fatalities. The report was compiled by the Auto Insurance Center based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data that covered all U.S. fatal crashes between 2009 and 2013.

That said, while weather-related incidents are common and often deadly, far more people are still killed due to reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Why are snow and ice less of a hazard than rain? Experts say that it is because wet conditions are more common and drivers are generally less cautious than they might be when faced with something that appears to be more dangerous and less common an occurrence. Additionally, rain can make roads slicker, especially when it has not rained in a while and oil residue builds up. Not only can it make the road itself less safe, but rain can also impair visibility. Surprisingly, even Alaska has more deadly crashes related to rain than snow.

In 10 states, including Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, and Minnesota, snow was a bigger hazard than rain. In North Dakota, snow and rain caused an equal amount of fatal crashes.

TEXARKANA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Being injured in a motor vehicle accident is a traumatic and overwhelming experience. If you were recently involved in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, you have a right to pursue just compensation. At Potter & Marks, we are here to help rebuild your life in the aftermath of an accident and will fight to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Our experienced Texarkana law firm is client-focused and dedicated to obtaining the best possible results on your behalf. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for the legal assistance you deserve.