Even the most experienced Virginia drivers are at risk of car accidents – especially on dangerous roads. What makes a road dangerous is up for debate, but statistics from the National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration can give us some insight.
What are the most dangerous roads in Virginia?
The National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration ranked the most dangerous roads for driving in bad weather. This can be anything from snowstorms to fog or rainstorms. The list of Virginia roads and the percentage of fatal crashes in bad weather are as follows:
- I-81, 92%
- I-95, 89%
- US-460, 89%
- US-29, 83%
- US-58, 81%
- I-64, 79%
This data tells us that some frequently traveled roads in Virginia are very dangerous in bad weather conditions, even for experienced drivers.
How to stay safe in bad weather conditions
Drivers should try to avoid driving in severe weather conditions if possible – but that’s not always possible. Even if you have to be in your car, there’s no shame in pulling over if it’s safe to do so.
If you have to be on the road, it’s important to keep your wits about you. Drivers can reduce car accidents by paying attention to the road, reduce distractions, and drive cautiously.
Most accidents in bad weather conditions happen because of limited visibility and the inability to quickly react on slick roads. Keeping distance between you and other cars can help reduce accidents should someone slam on the breaks or something fall in the road.
Most importantly, you should make sure your car is well-maintained and up for the journey. If you get into an accident caused by bad weather conditions, call the authorities as soon as possible and document all the damage you can after ensuring you and everyone in the accident is safe.