
It’s Remarkable, Missouri Losses ‘Most Dangerous’ Tag for Winter Driving
The website Money Geek has crunched the numbers and has a new top 15 list of the "most dangerous" states for winter driving. This year, Missouri doesn't place. Don't get too excited; Missouri's winter weather is not much safer for drivers.
For at least the third year in a row, Money Geek has crunched the numbers, analyzing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Reporting System. This year's list used data from 2020 to 2022. Using this data, they calculated each state's winter driving fatality rate adjusted for vehicle miles traveled and the total number of winter fatalities in each state. They also used the results of another survey that rated the states with the best and worst drivers to create their list.
Last year, Missouri came in at #14 on Money Geek's list, which was enough to call Missouri one of the "most dangerous" states for winter driving. This year, number #14 is Kansas, which came in at #17 last year.
Can you guess what state came in at #17 this year? You guessed it, Missouri. We essentially changed spots with Kansas.
The good news is that fewer people lost their lives in the winter on Missouri highways than when Money Geek has previously crunched the numbers. The bad news, 34 people lost their lives during winter driving on Missouri roads between 2020-2022. That, however, pails in comparison to the 126 fatalities Michigan had, the 87 Pennsylvania had, or the 89 Ohio had. Even Illinois and I would say they have similar driving conditions, had 70 deaths.
Texas placed 13 on the list, with 39 deaths. On the one hand, that's not surprising because I speak from experience when I say Texans can't drive in snow or ice. Yet, it's also surprising because they don't get a lot of snow or ice, and most folks just stay home when they do get snow and ice because, many times, it'll melt in a day or two at most.
The best advice for driving in winter weather comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Slow down. They say, "It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. In fact, 2022 there were an estimated 153,620 police reported traffic crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you."

They also suggest ensuring your vehicle is prepared and stocked for winter driving with a snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices, a first aid kit, blankets, cell phone and charger, water, food, and medicine. Additionally, they say your vehicle should be gassed or charged up as much as possible and that people plan their routes and know the conditions before starting on a snowy or cold journey.
It's all good advice, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has more information, which you can read on their website.
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