Data on poor visibility and traffic accidents

If you find yourself in a motor vehicle crash, you could suffer serious injuries that generate costly medical bills and leave you unable to work. Sadly, car accidents take place for many different reasons, such as drunk driving, distractions and traffic congestion. Sometimes, motor vehicle collisions occur due to poor visibility, such as fog.

When visibility is poor, negligent drivers become especially dangerous. For example, those who drive too fast or get behind the wheel after drinking are especially likely to cause a serious crash when during periods of low visibility.

Statistics on traffic collisions and low visibility

The Federal Highway Administration goes over different examples of low visibility and statistics on these conditions and traffic accidents. According to the FHWA, over 16,300 people suffer injuries in accidents that take place during foggy weather per year, and more than 600 people die. In fact, more than 38,700 traffic accidents occur during foggy conditions on an annual basis.

Other traffic accident risk factors involving low visibility

In addition to fog, there are other risk factors that can interfere with visibility on the road. For example, drivers sometimes struggle to see the road clearly as a result of heavy precipitation. Strong winds can blow smoke, dust and snow, which can also make it hard for drivers to see the road as well as other vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Not only does low visibility prevent drivers from seeing others on the road, but it can lead to speed variance, which makes a traffic collision more likely. If a negligent driver caused an accident that left you injured, do not remain silent.