FACTS

1. In winter, the temperature drops, and this can stiffen the rubber and affect tire pressure in winter tires.
2. Icy road fatalities account for more deaths than all other weather hazards combined.
3. Non-fatal injuries and property damage incidents increase significantly when it snows, but fatal crashes decline.
4. Almost half a million car accidents each year are due to winter storms, wet road conditions, and general bad weather.
5. Heavy rain, thick fog, or consistent snow can reduce driver visibility almost instantaneously.
6. The safest way to get through a winter storm or severe weather event is to stay home.
7. Car accidents that occur during bad weather conditions kill more Americans than weather disasters.

STATS

• About 17% of car accidents occur in snowy conditions (FHWA).
• 2000 people die and over 135,000 people are injured each year due to car accidents on icy and snowy road.
• Each year, an average of 1,836 deaths and 136,309 injuries are attributed to conditions on icy and snowy roads.
• Icy road fatalities account for more deaths than all other weather hazards combined (3.6 times more).
• Every year, nearly 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet.
• Around 70% of the population in the United States lives in places that have snowy and icy conditions during the winter. (FHWA)
• Compared to winter months, summer months have 29% more deaths in car crashes
• The use of salt on four-lane highways decreases accidents by 93%
• Traffic accidents on snowy, slushy, or icy roads account for 24% of weather-related traffic accidents.