Sgt. Curt Mowers of the Minnesota State Patrol gets asked a lot of questions—about use of headlights, speeding, turn signals, pedestrian right of way and more. Mowers was recently asked a question that he felt was important to share with the public. Mowers was asked: Are winter crashes worse?
A motorist noted that there seems to be a lot more car crashes when snow flies. The driver asked, “Is it as bad as we think it is or what?”
Mowers said historically during the winter weather months in Minnesota, the number of vehicle crashes, especially property damage crashes, increase substantially, but added, “We actually have more serious and fatal crashes on clear dry roads during the summer months.”
Mowers explained that people drive too fast for conditions in the winter, but the speeds seem to be much greater when the roads are dry and the weather is good. Because of the higher speeds, the crashes produce more injuries and deaths. Speed is a major factor in crashes. “In fact, it is the number one contributing factor on our crash reports,” said Mower.
“Of course we don’t see many motorcycle crashes in the winter but we do see a slight rise in sport utility vehicle type crashes because of the false sense of security riding in those vehicles.
“The weather conditions of course are a huge factor, which in turn affect the road conditions. For example, during a winter storm we might have between 200 and 400 vehicles off the road or in crashes. We normally don’t see that volume of traffic incidents occurring on summer days unless there is a natural disaster type of situation that occurs, affecting a large number of motorists. Winter whiteout conditions are very common in parts of the state and are extremely dangerous.
“During 2009–2011, there were a total of 73,759 crashes during the winter season [December through February], accounting for 34 percent of the state’s total crashes. In 2011, crashes on snow and icy road surfaces accounted for nearly 17,000 crashes resulting in 47 deaths and 5,308 injuries. In 2011, January was the leading month for crashes [10,069] and injuries [3,313],” said Mowers.
It looks as if Minnesota may be heading for another year with a high number of crashes. On Wednesday, December 4, 2013, the Minnesota State Patrol issued statistics for one of the first days of winter weather—175 crashes statewide and 192 cases of vehicles off the road because of vehicle spinouts.
Mowers offered the following safe winter driving tips:
. Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are too poor.
. Buckle up, and make sure child restraints are secured. It is recommended not to use bulky clothing when securing a child in a restraint. Use blankets on top of the child restraint harness, not beneath.
. Drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, and provide for plenty of travel time.
. Increase safe stopping distance between vehicles. If skidding, remain calm, ease foot off the gas, and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
. Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals.
. Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting.
. Do not use cruise control on snowy/icy/wet roads.
. Use extra precautions when driving around snowplows by keeping at least five car-lengths behind plows.
. It also recommended that motorists prepare and keep handy a winter weather emergency kit. The kit should include coffee can and small candles and matches to use to melt snow for drinking water; brightly colored bandana or cloth to hang from the vehicle window to signal help is needed; large plastic garbage bags to tie around feet to keep them warm; safety pins to secure the garbage bags; whistle to alert authorities; snacks; cell phone adapter to plug into lighter; plastic flashlight and spare batteries; and extra hats, mittens, boots and blankets.
. Motorists who are stranded should remain in their vehicle and call 911 for help.
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