FACTS

Accidents that occur due to hot weather conditions

1. Drivers and passengers can suffer from heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or dehydration while driving, leading to a loss of consciousness or impaired driving abilities.
2. High temperatures can cause tires to overinflate, increasing the risk of tire blowouts while driving, which can lead to loss of control and accidents.
3. Extreme heat can strain the vehicle’s engine and cooling system, leading to engine overheating.
4. In hot weather, drivers may be more prone to distractions or fatigue, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions due to delayed reactions or inadequate braking.
5. Reduced visibility caused by sun glare or heat distortion on the road can lead to accidents at intersections, especially if drivers fail to see other vehicles or traffic signals.
6. Extreme heat can cause road surfaces to crack and create uneven driving conditions, increasing the risk of accidents, especially for motorcycles and bicycles.
7. Heat can contribute to irritability and frustration, leading to aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding and tailgating, which can escalate into accidents.

STATS

• Motorcyclists often prefer riding when the weather is warmer. Motorcycles make up just 3% of registered vehicles on the road, yet they account for over 14% of traffic fatalities nationwide. According to EPA, 1300 people die per year in the U.S. alone because of extreme heat.
• According to Transport Canada, environmental factors such as adverse weather contributed to 18 percent of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in Canada in one recent year. Bad weather frequently contributes to car accidents. The RCMP reports that about 30 percent of accidents occurred on wet, icy, or snowy roads, with about one-third of all accidents in Canada occurring from November through February. Insurance companies report that accident claims increased by around 50 percent in December and January. Single-vehicle accidents most frequently occurred from October through December.
• Driving in winter weather – snow, ice, wet, and cold – creates a great challenge for both vehicles and their drivers. Nearly 30% of car accidents in Canada happen on snowy or icy roads. According to Traffic Accident Information System (TAIS) reports, 5% of accidents occur during a snowfall.