REPORT: How Weather Conditions Effect Fatal Car Accident Rates in South Carolina
Do Weather Conditions Affect Fatal Accident Rates In South Carolina?
While the answer may seem obvious, it may not make as much difference as you might think. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released statistics regarding fatal accidents in South Carolina under its “FARS” reporting system (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) and the results are a bit surprising.
While it is widely accepted that inclement weather conditions contribute to auto accidents on South Carolina roadways and roadways all over the country, it appears that the effect is negligible. In surveying the total number of fatal auto accidents on a month to month basis, the highest rates of fatalities occur in April and May, with 81 and 88 recorded fatalities each month respectively. The autumn and winter months had lower fatality rates:
- September 63
- October 67
- November 67
- December 70
The reason for this may be something as simple as how careful drivers are during these months. When weather turns cold, more and more people drive at slower speeds and are extra cautious, while many decide to forgo driving altogether and stay indoors. Meanwhile, during spring and early summer months when conditions are clear, drivers are more likely to operate their vehicles at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood of a fatal crash.
A study of the weather and light conditions during crashes furthers this notion, with an equal number of accidents occurring in daylight and dark hours (301 vs. 304). Of the 840 total fatal auto accidents in South Carolina in 2008, a large percentage (85 percent) of fatal accidents occurred in “Normal” weather conditions. Only 13 percent of accidents occurred in rainy conditions, which is the next highest weather condition to contribute to fatal car accidents.
These statistics prove what many law enforcement officials have always preached. There is no better defense against tragic South Carolina auto accidents then a vigilant driver. If all drivers took to the road with safety and proper driving procedures in mind, many tragic auto accidents on South Carolina roadways could be avoided.
