Our nation has seen its fair share of multi-car wrecks during winter weather, even with a modest snow accumulations. But, that snow falls quickly, almost unnoticeable to drivers. Some drivers do not notice that the roads have become slick, usually maintaining their usual speeds until a slideoff or other wreck occurs.
From 2004 to 2013, close to a quarter of all U.S. traffic crashes were caused by weather. Of those, 17 percent occurred during snow or sleet. Walker Ashley, an associate professor of meteorology at Northern Illinois University, states that "minor" winter events are more deadly than notable winter storms. This is due to heavier traffic on roads and even more dangerous visibility conditions than perceived by drivers.
David Havas, a professor of psychology at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, adds that people under-perceive these light and/or sudden snow and ice events, ultimately getting them into trouble. People's brains need to adapt each year into the mode of winter driving. Though, the world seems to change much faster than the brain can learn.
Original Article found here: https://www.wunderground.com/news/2017-11-10-light-snow-more-dangerous-driving
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