Why the First Snow Day Tends to be the Most Dangerous for Drivers

Oil from tires and asphalt combined with fresh rainfall create a slippery and dangerous mess on the roads, but the first day of snow can be even worse. It just so happens that 70 percent of the US population lives in snowy regions such as Salt Lake City. More crashes take place in these regions on the first day of snow than any other snow day of the year, making it a popular time for an auto accident lawyer to work. 

The biggest reason behind the high number of car crashes that take place on this day is based on drivers’ regular habits. It’s easy to get used to driving fast speeds during the year. When the first snow starts to fall, drivers forget to change their habits and slow down. Failure to recognize the need to change speed is a common mistake an auto accident lawyer will see when dealing with car crash cases this time of year, both in urban areas like Salt Lake City as well as rural areas. 

Drivers will often overestimate their control of the vehicle during the first snowfall. Whether one loses control on some snowy slush in downtown Salt Lake City or an icy patch in the mountains, he or she will learn very quickly to take more precaution during the upcoming snow days of the year.

Another reason people might push their safety limits is that they don’t plan adequately for the first snow day. During this event there’s usually more traffic buildup due to accidents and snow plows, making it take longer to get places. Running late to work or school due to traffic buildup is common on snowy days, but if you’re not prepared, you might catch yourself talking to an auto accident lawyer because you pushed the speed limit trying to get to work on time and caused an accident as a result. 

Interestingly enough, while there are more accidents on the first snow day than any other snow day of the year, there are less fatal accidents. This is because of factors like there being less people on the road and drivers cruising at a lower speed limit. Therefore, while accidents are more common, they are often less severe. Fatal or not, an auto accident lawyer should be contacted after being involved in a serious car crash. 

Whether you live in Salt Lake City or on the East Coast, it’s important to understand that the first snowfall of the year causes more accidents than any other snow day. Always take extra precaution when driving in the snow and be prepared. Don’t wait for the first snow day to pass to make changes to your driving habits. 

Alyssa Koenig is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.