STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Who would’ve known?
Idaho is the ninth safest state for weather-related fatal crashes, despite getting its fair share of winter snowstorms.
4AutoInsuraceQuote analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, examining fatal crashes caused by snow, rain, wind, fog and other conditions in each state.
Idaho had 11 fatal crashes per 1 million drivers.
Amazingly, Colorado has the fewest weather-related fatal crashes nationwide with just four fatal crashes per 1 million drivers. Arizona is second with five fatal weather crashes per 1 million drivers.
They were followed by California with 6.36, Utah with 6.40, Nevada with 7.56, Massachusetts with 8.9, Delaware with 10.17 and New Hampshire with 10.33. New York came in tenth behind Idaho, in part because the state is well-prepared for clearing roads in winter and most of those who live in New York City don’t drive.
Nearby Wyoming ranks 49th—no surprise there with its ever-prevalent wind whipping up ferocious blizzards and black ice on I-80. It has 45 fatal crashes per 1 million drivers.
West Virginia ranked worst with 46 fatal weather-related crashes per 1 million drivers.
The national average is 20 crashes resulting in one or more deaths for every 1 million drivers. Rain was the most common cause of weather-related crashes in the 10 best states.
Researchers believe the fact that Idaho receives well under the U.S. average rainfall contributed to its high ranking in the study as the risk of hydroplaning is low.
To see the study, visit https://www.4autoinsurancequote.com/states-with-fewest-weather-related-fatal-crashes/