They say that it’s safer to fly than it is to drive. But is that true? In the US, there are about six million traffic accidents every year. More than 40,000 result in deaths. Weather conditions such as snow, ice, fog, rain, and other factors, such as road construction, sharp curves, steep inclines, and wildlife crossing, can increase the risk of collision. With all these factors, there’s no surprise that traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death—outnumbering plane incidents by 40 times! Here are 15 of the most dangerous roadway conditions and a few tips that’ll help you drive away off into the sunset.
Icy Roads
Winter can be merciless—snowstorms, subzero temperatures, piles and piles of snow, etc. Moreover, driving conditions can be treacherous, with ice being one of the most ruthless offenders. On average, icy roads cause 116,800 injuries per year and over 1,300 deaths. It is the most deadly roadway condition on our list—nearly three times the number of deaths caused by all the severe weather hazards combined. The best advice when driving on icy roads is to drive slowly and keep your distance. Winter tires help, too.
Nighttime Driving
Nighttime driving can be dangerous, especially when it rains. Lights from buildings, street lamps, and oncoming traffic reflect off the road, producing a beautiful but distracting light show. Even though people primarily drive during the day, roughly half of all fatal car accidents happen at night. Low visibility and driver fatigue are the main contributors to this statistic. Be cautious while driving at night. If you can avoid driving at night, do so. It can wait until tomorrow.
Heavy Rain and Wet Roads
Driving in a rainstorm can be scary—low visibility, slick roads, and other vehicles make it dangerous. Almost half a million drivers are injured each year due to rain or wet roads, and 6,000 result in death. Like icy roads, your best advice is to be cautious and drive slowly. Avoid large puddles, and don’t suddenly brake or accelerate. Also, don’t be afraid to cancel your appointment. That is what a rain check is for.
Dense Fog
Fog is perfect for a scene in a horror film but not ideal for driving. Annually, fog causes more than 38,700 accidents, 16,300 of which result in injury, and 600 result in death. Word of advice: Never use your high beams when driving through fog. The extra brightness actually worsens your visibility. However, use fog lights if you have them, or park and wait till the fog breaks.
Snow or Sleet
Nobody enjoys waking up early to have to scrape snow off your car. Even worse, it’s still snowing. Snow and sleet injure about 76,000 people every year and cause 900 fatalities. If you are driving in the snow, ensure your tires are up to date. When they are worn, you risk sliding out of control.
Black Ice
The difference between regular and black ice is that you can’t see the latter. About 150,000 accidents occur annually from black ice. Why do they call it black ice? Well, wouldn’t it be easy to spot if it were black? They call it that because the ice is actually translucent. The black is the asphalt underneath. Your only defense against black ice is allowing your vehicle to slide gently while pumping the brake. If conditions are right for any ice, drive slowly or don’t drive at all.
Flooded Roads
Driving during a rainstorm is dangerous, but driving after a rainstorm can be just as dangerous. The roads could be flooded if it has been raining for a long time or you are near a flood zone. Low areas and bridges are the most susceptible to flooding. If you see a large pool of water on the road, don’t drive through it. Even though this advice seems obvious, more than 100 people die in car accidents related to flooding each year.
Steep Inclines
Weather isn’t the only factor making roadway conditions hazardous. Elevation can also increase your risk. Roads that wind through mountainous regions or hilly areas can have steep inclines, which can feel like riding a roller coaster. Thousands of accidents happen at inclines every year, and weather conditions can worsen it. Drive slowly.
Sharp Curves
Not everyone is a race car driver who can maneuver freely through turns. Curved sections of roads cause roughly 30% of all roadside accidents. Some factors contributing to this statistic include excessive speed, inattentive drivers, and poor road conditions. Drive cautiously on winding roads. It’s okay to drive under the speed limit. It’s not a race.
Narrow Roads
According to research, accident rates increase when the roadway is narrow or doesn’t have shoulders. Smaller roads mean there is a small margin for error. Moreover, the risk of run-off-road crashes and head-on collisions increases on these roadways. Our advice for you if you find yourself driving on a narrow road or a road without shoulders is to be attentive. Weather conditions and low visibility can compound the risk.
Construction Zones
No one can claim driving through construction zones is convenient. Traffic is usually slow or stalled because the speed limit is lowered, and there may be cement barricades and orange barrels to weave through. In 2022, around 96,000 accidents occurred in construction zones. 37,000 resulted in injuries, and 891 resulted in deaths. You may be sick of hearing this, but SLOW DOWN!
Potholes and Poorly Maintained Roads
Roads are in poor condition in areas where you experience both extremes of the seasons—snow and heat. Water can seep through the cracks of the road and freeze. When it melts, the water expands, causing cracks that eventually become potholes. In the US, over 22,000 deaths occur yearly due to poor road conditions. The next time you see a pothole, gently swerve past it.
Wildlife Crossing
Between 1 and 2 billion vehicle collisions are caused by wildlife crossing. Deer, moose, elk, coyotes, raccoons, and other animals are commonly reported and cause about 26,000 injuries and 200 deaths each year. While driving in forested areas, be alert. Pay attention and keep your eyes on the road. Also, wear your seatbelt. You never know when an animal will jump onto the road before you.
Blizzard
Snow is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and collisions. However, nearly 900 fatalities occur due to blizzard conditions. The snow and wind together can cause a whiteout, which is when visibility is lost. Be sure to read the weather reports before you go out driving. If a snowstorm is expected, reschedule your appointment. Driving in these conditions is dangerous.
Landslide Danger
Mountainous regions such as the Pacific Coast, Rockies, Appalachians, Hawaii, and Alaska are more at risk of landslides than other areas. Each year, landslides cause hundreds of accidents, causing somewhere between 25 and 50 deaths per year. Check the driving conditions if you are in an area prone to landslides.
