AAA Foundation:  Severe Winter Weather a Factor in over 2,000 Deaths Annually

AAA Urges Preparation and Caution 

January 17, 2020  – A new analysis of crash data by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that almost half a million crashes and over 2,000 deaths occur during severe weather and hazardous road conditions annually.

The analysis found that almost 40% of crashes involving bad weather and/or hazardous road conditions happen during the winter. With that in mind, AAA recommends that all drivers take extra caution and avoid all distractions when driving in winter conditions.  

“Even though much of South Dakota is experiencing blizzard conditions this weekend, it’s a holiday weekend which may mean there are more people on the roads, so AAA is urging caution”, ” says Marilyn Buskohl, spokesperson for AAA South Dakota. “Sleet, and snow along with high winds can reduce visibility and make it more difficult to maintain control. Drivers should adjust their behaviors accordingly.”

The AAA Foundation analyzed 2017 regional data of crashes occurring in adverse weather including what the roadway surface conditions were at the time of the crash. Researchers found that adverse weather and roadway surface conditions were involved in 25% of all deaths that occurred during the winter— much higher than during any other season.

Make sure your car is winter-road ready. Stop by any AAA Approved Auto Repair for a FREE check of your battery, tires, fluids and wipers.

AAA Winter Weather Driving Tips:

• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, other drivers may not. Better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
• Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed to account for less traction when driving on snow or ice.
• Limit distractions. Always give the driving task your full attention. Phones down. #DontDriveIntexticated
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to retain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember:  it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Increase your following distance. Allow five to six seconds of following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This extra space will allow you time to stop safely if the other driver suddenly brakes.
• Brake very smoothly. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to smoothly apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Don’t pump the brakes.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of energy it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads may cause your wheels to spin. Try to get a little momentum before you reach the hill and let that carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some momentum going on a flat roadway before making your way up the hill.

About AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.