Bad weather doesn’t just make driving uncomfortable — it also significantly increases the risk of accidents on the road. While many people tend to think of dangerous driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, or reckless maneuvering as primary causes of crashes, the reality is that weather conditions play a crucial and often underestimated role. In fact, adverse weather is a major contributor to vehicle accidents across the United States every year.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), over 20% of all vehicle crashes are directly related to weather conditions. This means that approximately 1.2 million crashes happen annually due to weather-related factors. These crashes often involve hazardous conditions such as slick or icy roads, reduced visibility from fog, rain, or snow, and other environmental challenges that impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.
Understanding the different types of weather that most frequently lead to collisions can help drivers better anticipate and prepare for dangerous driving scenarios. From heavy rain and snow to fog and icy surfaces, each type of weather presents unique risks that can dramatically increase the likelihood of accidents. Awareness and cautious driving in these conditions are essential to reducing crash risk and ensuring road safety.
Below, our friends at Pavlack Law, LLC discuss how weather conditions may affect car accidents.
- Rain and Wet Pavement
Rain, while perhaps not the most visually dramatic form of weather, plays a significant role in road safety, especially concerning crashes related to weather conditions. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), approximately 70% of weather-related crashes involve wet pavement, underscoring the hazards posed by rain on the road. When the pavement becomes wet, water reduces the friction between tires and the road surface, leading to decreased traction. This loss of grip not only makes steering more difficult but also substantially increases braking distances, giving drivers less time to react in emergencies. Moreover, the risk of hydroplaning — when a layer of water causes tires to lose contact with the road — increases in rainy conditions. Even light rain, such as a drizzle, can create dangerous slippery patches on the road, especially if the surface has accumulated oil from previous dry spells. After a dry period, oil residues can mix with even minimal rainfall, forming a slick layer that reduces tire grip and heightens the likelihood of accidents. Understanding these risks emphasizes the importance of exercising caution during rainy weather, such as reducing speed and maintaining a safe following distance to help prevent crashes and ensure safety on wet roads.
- Snow and Ice
Snow and icy roads are common causes of multi-vehicle pileups and slide-offs, especially in colder regions. According to FHWA:
- 17% of weather-related crashes occur during snow or sleet
- Ice causes four times as many injuries as snow alone
- Black ice is particularly dangerous because it’s hard to see. Drivers often don’t realize they’ve lost control until it’s too late. Reduced visibility from snow or freezing rain also compounds the risk.
- Fog and Low Visibility
Fog doesn’t affect the road surface, but it can be equally deadly due to severely reduced visibility. Fog related crashes are more likely to be fatal than those caused by other weather conditions.
Drivers may not notice slowed or stopped traffic until they’re too close to avoid a collision. Rear-end crashes and chain-reaction pileups are more common in dense fog, especially on highways.
- Sun Glare
Believe it or not, bright sunny days can still cause crashes. Low sun angles at sunrise and sunset often produce glare that temporarily blinds drivers, especially during commutes. The National Weather Service warns that sun glare reduces visibility and reaction time. To help reduce this effect, consider wearing polarized sunglasses, using your sun visor, and keeping your windshield clean.
Final Thoughts
As a car accident lawyer knows, weather-related crashes aren’t always preventable, but understanding how conditions impact road safety can help drivers stay attentive and adjust their habits. Whether it’s slowing down on wet roads or watching for black ice, small behavioral changes can make a big difference. For up-to-date driving tips and crash statistics, visit dot.gov or nhtsa.gov.
