Another arctic blast is expected to send cold air across much of the eastern and southern United States over the weekend, with temperatures well below normal as far south as Florida. As temperatures drop, roads become covered with ice and snow, increasing the possibility of traffic accidents.
Snow and ice are expected in the Great Lakes region, Ohio Valley, Northeast and parts of the Appalachians, according to the National Weather Service.
Situations like this can put even the most experienced drivers to the test, and the weather can often impair vision and cause uncontrollable skids, catching many drivers by surprise. According to the Federal Highway Administration, slippery roads cause more than 150,000 car accidents each year. Seventy percent of U.S. roads are in snowy areas, putting millions of people at risk for accidents.
Preparing yourself and your car for winter driving is just the first challenge. Here are some tips to help you prepare for winter roads.
Precautions you can take when driving in winter
Even with four-wheel drive, a vehicle’s braking power is significantly reduced on slippery roads. According to AAA, stopping distances should be tripled to avoid collisions.
If you can’t avoid driving when ice or snow worsens road conditions, follow these tips to avoid collisions and getting stuck in ditches.
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How to deal with slippery roads
If your car starts to skid, steer it in the desired direction. Do not pump or apply the brakes suddenly.
Which states have the most dangerous winter driving conditions?
Some states pose a higher risk for winter drivers than others. A recent study by MoneyGeek found that 15 states have higher driver fatality rates.
These numbers represent a combination of vehicle mileage data from the Federal Highway Administration from 2020 to 2023 and accident details from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis and Reporting System. The analysis was then weighted by safe driving indicators. In contrast to annual mileage, Michigan recorded 156 deaths during this period.
Contributors: John Tufts/Indianapolis Star, Doyle Rice, George Petra/USA TODAY
