Why Winter Creates Higher Risks on the Road
Winter weather changes the way roads behave, and even the most experienced drivers can be caught off guard. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and shortened daylight hours all work together to make travel far more unpredictable. Whether you're behind the wheel or walking anywhere near traffic, having a solid understanding of how winter conditions increase danger can play a huge role in keeping yourself and others safe.
Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows just how serious these risks are. Nearly one-quarter of all weather-related accidents occur on roads covered in snow, ice, or slush, and another significant portion happens during active snowfall. These hazards limit traction and cut visibility, making it tougher to steer, stop, or avoid obstacles. When emergency crews need longer to reach crash scenes due to road conditions, the consequences can become even more severe.
How Winter Weather Intensifies Road Hazards
One of winter’s biggest hidden threats is black ice—an extremely thin, clear layer of ice that blends into the pavement. Drivers often don’t realize they’ve encountered it until their vehicle begins sliding. Black ice commonly forms overnight or early in the morning, when temperatures are lowest. Each year, icy pavement contributes to more than 150,000 crashes and over 550 fatalities nationwide, underscoring just how dangerous this invisible hazard can be.
Winter days also bring earlier sunsets, which means many people are commuting in darkness. Limited visibility makes it harder for drivers to notice pedestrians, especially when sidewalks are snow-covered or people are wearing darker clothing. Because nearly 80% of pedestrian fatalities happen at night, winter makes an already serious issue even worse.
Common Winter Mistakes Drivers Make
Many winter crashes stem from avoidable errors. A frequent and surprisingly risky mistake is failing to remove snow and ice from the entire vehicle. Snow left on the roof can slide down over the windshield while driving, or blow off and reduce visibility for others on the road. States such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey have laws requiring drivers to completely clear their vehicles before traveling.
Other hazardous behaviors include driving at speeds unsafe for road conditions, tailgating, or forgetting to turn on headlights during snow or low-light conditions. Quick braking or sudden turns can easily lead to skids, especially on untreated or rarely plowed streets. These actions increase the likelihood of multi-car collisions and can put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk.
Extra Risks on Rural Roads and for Commercial Trucks
People who drive in rural areas face additional challenges when winter weather hits. Plows may take longer to reach these roads, and bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas tend to freeze faster than regular pavement. With fewer streetlights, signs, or signals, spotting a patch of ice, a stalled vehicle, or a crossing pedestrian becomes significantly harder. Emergency response times in remote regions are also longer, which can worsen injuries after an accident.
For commercial drivers, winter conditions are even more dangerous. Tractor-trailers need considerable distance to stop, and icy surfaces make that even more difficult. Even careful braking can cause a truck to jackknife, swinging the trailer out into traffic and creating enormous pileup risks. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration notes that more than 1,800 people die each year in crashes on snowy or icy roads—many involving large trucks.
The tragic 2021 Fort Worth pileup, where 130 vehicles collided on icy roads and six lives were lost, is a clear reminder of how quickly winter conditions can turn deadly.
Distraction and Low Visibility: A Dangerous Mix
When either drivers or pedestrians are distracted, the risk of accidents rises—and winter weather adds another layer of danger. Drivers may be adjusting the heat, defroster, or GPS while also navigating slushy or icy conditions. Pedestrians often juggle bags, focus on keeping their balance, or bundle up in heavy winter clothing that reduces peripheral vision.
Children walking to school on dark winter mornings are especially vulnerable, as they can be difficult for drivers to see. Older adults face challenges too, including slippery sidewalks and slower reaction times when crossing. The combination of icy surfaces, reduced lighting, and split-second decisions makes winter particularly risky for these groups.
How Drivers Can Stay Safe in Winter Weather
Reducing winter driving risk starts with preparation. Clearing all snow and ice from your vehicle—including the roof, headlights, taillights, mirrors, and windows—ensures you and others can see clearly. Driving at slower speeds and increasing the distance between your car and the one ahead gives you more time to react if conditions change suddenly. Gentle braking and gradual turning help prevent skids on slick pavement.
Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle is a smart winter habit. Items like a scraper, blanket, flashlight, and kitty litter or sand for traction can make a big difference if you get stuck. Staying prepared helps reduce stress and keeps you safer during unexpected delays.
What Pedestrians Can Do to Reduce Risk
Pedestrians can improve their safety by wearing reflective or brightly colored clothing, especially during dark morning or evening hours. Following designated crosswalks and avoiding the road—even when sidewalks are blocked or icy—can significantly reduce the chance of being hit. Remaining alert and putting away phones while crossing streets helps ensure you’re aware of approaching vehicles, particularly in conditions with limited visibility.
Legal Support After a Winter Accident
Even when everyone takes precautions, winter accidents still happen—and often lead to complex injury claims. Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, speaking with a personal injury attorney can be vital after a winter crash. A lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies, assess the full extent of your injuries and losses, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a winter-related accident, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to our team today to understand your rights and learn more about the legal options available to you.