From intoxicated drivers to people reaching reckless speeds, motor vehicle accidents take place because of various reasons. However, inclement weather can be particularly problematic and claims far too many lives each year. If you drive in Huntington, or on roads anywhere in the state of West Virginia, you should recognize the risks that poor weather conditions may present and take steps to avoid an accident.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are an average of more than 5.7 million traffic accidents every year. Among these accidents, almost 1,259,000 are estimated to take place because of weather. There are a number of weather-related conditions that can cause an accident, such as snow, rain, sleet, strong winds and icy roads. In the winter months, inclement weather can be especially troubling, particularly for drivers who encounter snow on the road or try to drive up an icy hill.

Statistics reveal that between 2005 and 2014, an estimated 1.2 million accidents were caused by factors related to weather. Among these accidents, 5,897 people lost their lives and 445,303 were injured. If you have to drive to work every morning or do a lot of driving because of your job, it is especially important to remember the dangers that may be present during poor weather. Unfortunately, some drivers ignore the risks and act irresponsibly, which can be particularly troubling during inclement weather. For example, if a driver ignores a stop sign or drives over the speed limit, this reckless behavior can be even more dangerous on icy roads or when visibility is poor.

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