When you drive in Iowa during the winter, you see the dangers clearly: snow, ice and reduced visibility, making it easy to assume most fatal crashes happen in January.
However, car accident statistics show the highest number of traffic deaths occur in warmer months, which frequently include May, June, August and September. While fewer people may die in winter crashes, the cold season brings unique and serious risks drivers must understand and prepare for.
Fewer deaths but more crashes
Winter conditions significantly change the accident landscape. The typically slower travel speeds and reduced vehicle miles traveled in cold weather help keep the overall number of fatal crashes down by lowering the velocity and severity of impacts, though the total number of nonfatal crashes often spikes.
These accidents often result in significant property damage and minor injuries. Studies show that snowy days have more nonfatal crashes than clear days. In Iowa, we see this danger acutely on major roadways. For instance, reports indicate a significant increase in crash rates on Interstate 80 during winter compared to fall.
Ice and poor visibility increase the risk of out-of-control vehicles and destructive chain-reaction pileups, where legal fault is determined by applying Iowa’s modified comparative fault standard to assess each driver’s negligence, such as failing to maintain a safe following distance.
Speed is the X factor during warmer months
You face a different set of risks when the weather is warm. From May through October, drivers log far more miles across Iowa. Better road conditions allow higher speeds and can encourage less cautious driving.
When crashes happen at high speeds, they are much more likely to be deadly.
- Higher speed makes it harder to stop or avoid a collision
- More driving volume increases the likelihood of encountering distracted or impaired drivers
- Crashes that occur at high velocity are more severe, increasing the risk of serious injury or death
When careless drivers go too fast on icy roads during winter, the risk of fatalities and devastating injuries rises exponentially.
Practice defensive driving in every season
Iowa drivers must stay alert to distinct dangers year-round, from black ice or “glaze” in January to high speeds in July. Always prioritize safety by slowing down and maintaining a greater distance from other vehicles.
Driving defensively is the best preventative measure you can take to protect yourself and your family. When an accident results in serious injuries or loss, the complexity of determining fault and securing fair compensation underscores the importance of having skilled legal representation on your side, particularly given the two-year statute of limitations that applies to most personal injury claims in Iowa.