Winter Car Accident Statistics

Monday, January 6, 2025

Winter Car Accident Statistics

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Accidents due to hazardous road conditions in winter make driving quite a challenge. Adverse conditions like icy roads and snowfall, coupled with reduced visibility, significantly raise the chance of a vehicular accident. At Malman Law, we know these types of incidents can be the worst nightmare for anyone and their family. Our mission is to inform victims of their legal choices and to pursue the course of action that would prove most suitable.

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Snowy, Slushy, or Icy Roads

Some of the most common causes of weather-related automobile crashes are snowy and icy roadways. On average, each year, 1,300 people are killed and 116,800 people are injured due to weather-related automobile accidents on snowy, slushy or icy roads. These illnesses drastically reduce traction of tires, making the stopping and maneuvering of autos difficult. Drivers that do not slow down and maintain control of their automobiles on icy roads are at a much higher risk of getting into an accident.

Winters in Chicago frequently see the road surfaces in compacted snow or slush, which, when temperatures drop, might very rapidly turn to ice. Most especially, bridges and overpasses ice faster than the usual highway and thus are hot places for incidents to occur. Heavy storms can overwhelm road infrastructure and place cars in peril despite crews racing to salt and remove snow.

Snowfall or Sleet

Winter driving hazards are greatly increased by heavy snow and sleet. Approximately 15% of all weather-related car crashes happen during snowfall or sleet, causing nearly 900 fatalities and injuring around 76,000 people yearly. Accumulating snow obscures road markings and reduces visibility, while sleet creates a thin ice layer that can be deceptively hazardous for drivers. Unpredictable winter storms make ordinary trips much riskier for Chicago residents.

Sleet and freezing rain can cause what’s known as “black ice,” a nearly invisible layer of ice that makes roads extremely slick. Black ice is especially dangerous at intersections, highway on-ramps, and sharp curves where vehicles are more likely to lose control. Many drivers underestimate the risk, failing to reduce their speed when sleet or freezing precipitation begins to fall.

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

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Reduced Visibility and Slippery Roads

Winter is often linked to two quite risky factors: decreased visibility and slick road conditions. Conditions like heavy snow, fog, and freezing rain make driving very dangerous and increase the likelihood of an accident. Particularly at risk are drivers who don’t modify their speed and keep a safe distance. In addition to making it difficult to see other cars, the decreased visibility also hides pedestrians and various road hazards, which might result in a possibly fatal collision. Winter tire dependability and smart driving can assist in avoiding collisions in these kinds of situations.

Chicago has blowing snow during blizzards and strong winds, as well as winter fog in addition to snowstorms. It may become almost impossible to see, which makes driving on the roads and in cities dangerous. A snow-covered windshield and frozen wipers may further impair sight even during the day, increasing the possibility of lane departure and rear-end incidents.

Winter Driving Risk

Winter driving exposes one to a high chance of car accidents. According to research, during winter, drivers are approximately 15% more likely to be in a crash compared to summer. The presence of black ice, road salt, and sudden snowfall creates an unstable driving atmosphere. Additionally, the city of Chicago is very urbanized, which adds to the dangers, especially because many people are not familiar with winter driving safety measures.

Chicago-area drivers also have to take risks maneuvering through downtown traffic that is densely packed during and after a snowstorm. Snowbanks often reduce the width of the road, while improperly cleared parking areas and sidewalks pose other hazards. Winter road conditions and the high density of traffic in the city make preparedness important for all motorists.

Holiday Travel

Car travel increases sharply during the winter holidays, unfortunately leading to more accidents. Car travel remains the deadliest form of motorized transportation, especially during holidays, when long driving hours, fatigue, and winter weather create dangerous conditions. In Chicago, icy roads and congested streets during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve make holiday travel particularly risky.

Snowstorms and traffic delays during peak travel days further increase the risk of accidents. Drivers should plan ahead, check for road closures, and allow extra time for winter weather-related delays.

How to Drive Safe During the Winter

Staying safe during winter requires preparation and cautious driving behavior. Here are a few essential winter driving tips:

• Drive at reduced speeds and maintain extra following distance.
• Use winter tires to improve traction on icy and snowy roads.
• Ensure your headlights and windshield wipers are in good condition.

Check out our detailed guide for a comprehensive list of winter driving safety tips and strategies.

Contact Malman Law for Winter Accident Representation

Malman Law is here to help if a winter car accident has impacted you. Our experienced Chicago-based team of personal injury lawyers specializes in winter-related crashes and works to secure the compensation you deserve. With decades of personal injury expertise, we offer dedicated and aggressive representation tailored to your needs.

Schedule a free consultation today and let Malman Law fight for your rights.