How can weather conditions affect traffic crashes?

Weather conditions play a significant role in traffic safety, primarily because they can impair visibility and reduce traction on the road. For instance, rain, snow, fog, or ice can create hazardous driving conditions. Rain can make roads slick, increasing stopping distances and making it harder for vehicles to maintain control. In addition, fog can significantly reduce visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, traffic signals, or obstacles on the road.

These adverse conditions require drivers to adjust their speed, increase following distances, and be more cautious, but not all drivers recognize these risks. When they fail to adjust their driving behaviors appropriately in response to poor weather conditions, the likelihood of crashes increases considerably.

The other response options overlook the critical impact that weather can have on all types of vehicles and all drivers, board vehicles of different sizes and types, and do not accurately reflect the reality of how adverse weather influences driving.