Dangerous driver behaviors increase the risk of serious and deadly snow accidents. Inexperience and negligence cause winter weather crashes that range from multiple car pileups to individual cars spinning out of control.
Illinois in Top Ten Deadliest States
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Auto Insurance Center shows that about 38 fatality accidents occur each winter in Illinois. This places the state as the seventh deadliest for wintertime car accidents. Here are the top five reasons why snow accidents happen on Illinois roadways.
#1. Drivers Are Inexperienced
An inexperienced driver may not leave enough space between him and the driver in front of his vehicle. He might over accelerate on snow or ice which could cause the tires to spin from lack of traction and cause him to hydroplane and lose control.
#2. Driving Too Fast.
Snow and ice covered roads can be treacherous. When drivers fail to adjust their speed to meet road conditions, serious accidents can occur.
#3. Vehicles Are Not Properly Maintained or Equipped for Winter
Snowy and icy conditions call for tires and brakes that are in good condition. This helps ensure that the vehicle has the traction it needs and will be able to stop when needed. Cars that are not in good working condition could increase the risk of accidents and put the driver and others in danger of injury.
#4. Failure to Clear Snow and Ice from Windows
Near whiteout conditions make it difficult to drive. When drivers fail to remove snow and ice from windows, visibility becomes more difficult. Blowing snow or ice from vehicles affects the visibility of other drivers, too.
#5. Stopping in Travel Lanes
Vehicles that stop suddenly in travel lanes risk getting rear-ended because the others behind them may not be able to stop suddenly. Reduced visibility from snow increases the chance of a crash.
Drivers Have a Duty to Drive Safely
Regardless of weather conditions, all drivers have a duty to drive safely. It is a driver’s responsibility to take road conditions into consideration and adjust his or her driving to those challenges. When a driver fails to do that, he or she can be found liable for any injuries or property damage an accident may cause.