New Jersey sees relatively severe winter weather many years, with huge amounts of snow falling in a short amount of time and temperatures so low that extended exposure can cause injury. When there is ice or snow on New Jersey roads and when the temperatures are very low, the potential for a crash increases.
A significant portion of the annual wrecks that occur in New Jersey each year are the result of winter weather conditions on the roads. Although many drivers take for granted that they can handle the extra danger inherent in colder road conditions, the shocking traffic statistics below make it clear that is not actually the case.
1. More than 2% of New Jersey traffic deaths involved snow or ice
Although New Jersey has the necessary infrastructure to remove snow and ice from public roads as quickly as possible, frozen precipitation still causes more than its fair share of fatal collisions in New Jersey each year.
Research into crash statistics during the teens by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in New Jersey, 2.1% of all traffic fatalities during the years reviewed were the result of inclement weather or winter weather conditions on the road. While standing snow or ice may only be present on the roads for a small amount of time every year, it can drastically increase public risk when it is present.
2. Traffic speeds drop more than 30% during winter weather events
Everybody knows that traffic slows down whenever there is ice or snow on the roads. Even melting slush can increase how long it takes you to get to work in the morning or to drop your children off at school. Researchers estimate that traffic feeds will decline by between 30 and 40% on major thoroughfares.
Such a significant reduction in traffic speed could increase your commute time substantially and make you late to work or an appointment. Those who feel the pressure of a looming deadline are more likely to drive too fast for road conditions and travel too close to other vehicles when roads are snowy or icy.
Drivers in New Jersey who understand the way that winter weather affects their safety can better prioritize making safe decisions in traffic. Understanding factors that contribute to New Jersey collisions can help you avoid a car wreck.