A recently released study finds Idaho is one of the worst states for driving in bad weather. Snow, not rain, is the problem.
It’s still technically fall, but with dustings of snow already falling in some parts of the state, winter is definitely coming. A report from Safewise – a website that reviews and compares safety products – finds Idaho is one of the most dangerous places to drive in snow.
With 11 crashes due to snow in 2016, Idaho is the 4th most dangerous state according to Safewise. At the top of the ranking is Michigan with 59 crashes.
National Weather Service meteorologist Elizabeth Padian says Idaho should expect average snowfall. She’s also calling for mild temperatures.
“It definitely looks like the temperatures will be favored to be above normal for the December, January, February time period,” says Padian.
So, expected warmer temps. But it’s a little early to bank on that. Idaho State Police Corporal Chris Pohanka says the agency is especially busy in the winter and pile ups due to snow can happen fast.
“I’m sitting on the slide-off waiting for a tow truck to come, and all the sudden cars are still coming at a high rate of speed, somebody slides off on the median side,” Pohanka remembers. “And then someone starts spinning off on the other side. I think it ended up with about eight vehicles within a quarter to a half mile.”
Pohanka has simple tips for winter driving: Give yourself an extra-large space cushion and build some additional minutes into your commute.
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