Driving Hazards in the Pacific Northwest: A Growing Concern
New findings place Washington as the third-deadliest state for fatal crashes during bad weather. Washington State also leads the nation in accidents caused by “other” adverse conditions.
Fatal Winter Accidents in Washington State
Winter car accident fatalities present a serious concern. Each year, an average of 1,836 deaths and 136,309 injuries are attributed to conditions on icy and snowy roads. Fatalities due to icy roads account for more deaths than all other weather hazards combined, being 3.6 times more deadly. From 2011 to 2015, about 3,200 Americans lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents caused by winter driving conditions such as snow, freezing rain, sleet, or ice. In 2013 alone, more than 1,200 people died in wintertime motor vehicle accidents.
A study by USA Today found that the deadliest times of day for winter car accidents in 2015 were 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday was the deadliest day of the week, with 286 deaths, while Friday followed closely with 197 deaths. The FHWA study found that although non-fatal injuries and property damage incidents increase significantly when it snows, fatal crashes actually decline during snowstorms.
In terms of overall numbers, federal data shows that more than 150,000 (156,164) auto crashes occur annually due to icy roads. On snowy roads, a car may take 10 times longer to stop completely, according to AAA. Over 1,800 people die every year in car crashes due to snowy and icy conditions, per the FHWA. The Weather Channel also reports that slushy or snowy pavement causes a 30% to 40% speed reduction on major roads.
The FHWA also notes that approximately 70% of the U.S. population lives in areas that experience snowy and icy conditions during winter. Around 17% of vehicle crashes happen under snowy conditions, and 70% of roads in the United States are in snowy areas, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Washington Winters
Fatal accidents in Washington involving snow and ice accounted for 4.6% of all such deadly accidents across the country over a five-year span
Winter death statistics related to ice and snow:
- About 70% occur in automobiles
- About 25% are people caught out in a storm
- The majority are males over 40 years old
Winter death statistics related to exposure to cold:
- 50% are people over 60 years old
- Over 75% are males
- About 20% occur in the home
The early snow of 2024 in Washington served as a powerful reminder that the official start of winter isn’t the true beginning of the season’s road hazards. As snow and freezing rain hit the region, it caused significant disruptions and an alarming spike in collisions. The first snowstorm of the season in Spokane alone led to at least 41 accidents, with one tragic fatality involving a semi-truck and two passenger vehicles on State Route 2 near Deep Creek. The crash, which occurred around 8:40 a.m., appeared to have been caused by drivers traveling too fast for the slick, snowy conditions, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Washington State Overview (2024, First Snowstorm)
- Total Accidents (Spokane): 41 collisions
- Fatal Accidents: 1 (semi-truck and two cars on State Route 2)
- Highways Affected: State Route 2, I-90, and other major routes
- Road Conditions: Snow, freezing rain, and icy patches
Walla Walla and Eastern Washington: As freezing rain coated the roads in Walla Walla, conditions worsened rapidly. Multiple highways were closed, and school was canceled across the area. Numerous collisions were reported, highlighting the hazardous nature of the storm. This storm, along with the freezing rain in the Columbia River Gorge and other parts of eastern Oregon and Washington, led to treacherous conditions. Temperatures in these areas had been below freezing for over a week, further intensifying the risks on the roads.
Mountain passes, including Snoqualmie, Stevens, and Blewett, also reported snow accumulation, prompting the Washington State Department of Transportation to issue traction tire advisories. Additionally, oversized loads were prohibited to prevent accidents in the more hazardous mountain areas.
The freezing rain that began moving into the region compounded the dangers. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a freezing rain advisory for the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River Valley, and surrounding areas. Widespread freezing rain was also expected to affect Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and Walla Walla, continuing the pattern of dangerous, icy conditions on the roads. Drivers were advised to stay vigilant and take extra precautions to avoid accidents during these unpredictable weather events.
Laws and Ordinances to Consider:
The Revised Code of Washington section 46.61.400 states: “No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.”
Local ordinances often require property owners to maintain their sidewalks, and many specifically address snow and ice removal. Here are two such examples:
- Wenatchee Municipal Code Chapter 7.24 — Requires property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks and walking areas within 24 hours of a snowstorm. If snow or ice cannot be removed from the sidewalk, the owner is required to “apply sand, de-icer, or other suitable material.”
- Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 8.8 — Requires property owners to make a reasonable effort to clear the sidewalk adjacent to their property by 9:00 am every day after snowfall, or, when removal is not practical due to snow accumulation, disperse sand or other material that would allow for safer sidewalk use.
Driving Tips for Snowy and Icy Roads
For Snowy Conditions
- Plan for extra travel time; snowy roads can slow your trip significantly.
- Extend your stopping distance to accommodate slippery conditions.
- Brake softly to avoid skidding; if wheels lock, release the brake slightly.
- Carry and learn to use tire chains.
- Keep your vehicle in peak condition: ensure clean headlights, reliable brakes, effective wipers, and quality tires.
- Drive slower near off-ramps, bridges, or shaded areas where snow tends to accumulate.
- Use your headlights for better visibility.
- Prepare for possible delays with water, blankets, and a full gas tank. Stay patient.
- If weather worsens, consider stopping for the night.
For Icy Conditions
- Turn off cruise control and proceed cautiously.
- Adjust your speed based on road traction and ice patches.
- Increase the space between vehicles, leaving about three times the normal distance.
- If your car begins to slide, reduce speed slowly and gently tap the brakes.
- Be alert to elevation changes and shaded areas where ice is more likely to form.
- Avoid driving through snowdrifts that could make you lose control.
- Blowing snow around trucks or plows can limit visibility—maintain a safe distance.
- Look for ice clues: frost on wipers, mirrors, signs, or trees suggests icy roads too.
Bridges and Overpasses
- Bridges and overpasses freeze before regular roads because concrete doesn’t retain heat. Drive cautiously in these areas, as they thaw last.