Why Spring Is the Most Dangerous Season for Drivers

Most people think of winter as the most dangerous time to drive. Ice, snow, and limited visibility are obvious hazards. But statistically, spring is when road conditions are among the deadliest of the year, and most drivers aren't thinking about it.

Flash flooding is the deadliest weather hazard for drivers

Flooding is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, and the majority of flood deaths involve vehicles. Spring rain is often intense, falling faster than saturated soil can absorb it. Roads flood quickly, sometimes with no visible warning, and moving water is far more powerful than most people expect.

Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet. Twelve inches can carry away a small car. Two feet can float most SUVs and pickup trucks. When water covers a road, there is no way to judge its depth or speed from behind the wheel.