With the arrival of winter, drivers throughout the state once again must be on the alert for the potential road hazards caused by snowy and icy conditions. This is not new for Pennsylvania drivers.
And this may not be new, either. Pennsylvania ranks as the fifth-most dangerous state for winter driving, according to recent analysis from MoneyGeek, a website devoted to personal finance. In coming up with its findings, MoneyGeek analyzed data from the National Highway Transportation Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System from 2017 to 2019.
Keystone State recorded 86 deaths
The rankings were based on a formula that tallied total fatalities, the fatality rate related to motor vehicle miles traveled in the state and each state’s score based on having the safest drivers. The four states that ranked ahead of Pennsylvania were Michigan, Alaska, Wyoming and Ohio.
During the three-year analysis period made by MoneyGeek, Pennsylvania recorded the third-most winter road fatalities with 86 for an average of nearly 29 deaths every winter. Only Michigan with 165 and Ohio with 99 had more deaths.
More than 1,300 die annually
Here are some supporting winter driving statistics from other agencies:
- The Federal Highway Administration notes that each year, more than 1,300 people die and nearly 117,000 suffer injuries in motor vehicle crashes on snowy, icy and slushy roads.
- In addition, almost 900 people die and nearly 76,000 others injured in crashes when it snows or sleets.
- According to the NHTSA, roughly 17% of all motor vehicle collisions occur during winter-related conditions.
It is time to mentally prepare for winter driving and take the necessary precautions such as having your car checked and making sure that essential items such as a spare tire and shovel are stored in your car.
Taking extra care
Extra care is necessary when driving roads and highways during winter. You want to avoid poor conditions that include snow, ice and strong winds. Do your best to stay safe on Pennsylvania roads.