Oregon and Washington Rank in the Top Ten U.S. States For Weather Related Driving Fatalities
Drive safe this winter. Rain and other severe conditions factor into high fatality rates on Washington and Oregon roads.
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., November 8, 2023 – Oregon and Washington drivers face some of the nation's most perilous road conditions, new research pinpointsWashington as ranking third in the nation for fatal crashes during bad weather, and has the highest rate of accidents involving 'other' adverse conditions. Meanwhile, Oregon has the sixth-highest rate of weather-related driving fatalities in the country.
A recent study by Richmond Vona, a personal injury law firm, analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, uncovering that 14.5% of Oregon's driving fatalities occur during adverse weather, a stark contrast to safer states.
A table from Richmond Vona shows the top ten U.S. States in terms of weather related driving fatalities.
In Oregon, rain is a predominant hazard, linked to 11% of total vehicular deaths and placing the state tenth for rain-related driving fatalities nationwide. The Beaver State also grapples with other treacherous weather scenarios, such as fog and severe crosswinds, ranking seventh for such conditions.
Alaska tops the list, experiencing a staggering 25% of fatal crashes in harsh weather, primarily snow. West Virginia and Virginia follow, with rain being the primary culprit for their high rates of weather-related driving fatalities.
This data is not just numbers; it represents a call to action for Washingtonians and Oregonians to exercise heightened caution and preparedness when navigating the state's often treacherous roads.
“Poor weather is present in one in ten fatal crashes across the U.S., bumping up annual figures by thousands each year. The poorest driving conditions happened mostly outside the South, where rain and snow are more common. The light condition was less important; most crashes happened during daylight, regardless of the weather. While poor weather can make driving dangerous, the biggest determining factor is always the driver and how responsible they are behind the wheel,” said a spokesperson from Richmond Vona.
As the community braces for seasonal weather changes, authorities and safety advocates encourage drivers to perform necessary car maintenance before bad weather strikes, avoid driving in hazardous weather, and take all necessary precautions when driving in rain, snow or other winter weather conditions.
Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill said the most common cause of weather related fatalities that he sees are related to excessive speed.
”Speed kills. People just need to slow down. It’s so dangerous because you’re going to fast when it’s wet or slick. Just slowing down and taking your time is the best way to go,” said Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill “Over the weekend there were three or four crashes on the interstate and they were all related to hydroplaning in the rain. Slowing down is super super important based on the weather conditions.”
Magill said that pre-planning can go a long way in terms of arriving someplace safely.
”People drive fast because they want to get to a spot, but is saving two minutes worth your life? Most people don’t have emergencies to get to, they’re driving to the same places everyday so just leave a little earlier to account for weather so you don’t have to be in a hurry, a little bit of preplanning goes a long ways, said Magill.
