A recent study by Consumer Affairs has ranked Wyoming as the second deadliest state for winter driving, just behind Alaska, KGAB AM 650 reports.
According to the study, Wyoming has a traffic fatality rate of 2.25 deaths per 100,000 people due to winter road conditions, primarily caused by snow and ice.
The study highlights that nearly all of Wyoming’s winter-related driving fatalities are the result of hazardous road surfaces influenced by weather conditions, including snow and ice. Among the state’s cities, Rawlins, a small town with a population of around 8,500, stands out for having the highest winter driving fatality rate in the state at 3.94 per 100,000 people. This marks it as one of the most dangerous areas for winter driving in Wyoming.
While Wyoming is known for its scenic landscapes and expansive, open spaces, the study suggests that visitors and residents alike should be cautious when traveling the state’s roads during the winter months due to the higher risks involved.
The study, which used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the years 2020-2022, focused specifically on fatalities tied to poor road conditions and winter weather. Here are the top five states with the highest rates of winter driving fatalities per 100,000 people:
- Alaska – 2.85 fatalities
- Wyoming – 2.25 fatalities
- Montana – 1.95 fatalities
- South Dakota – 1.40 fatalities
- North Dakota – 0.95 fatalities
While the late fall and early winter period in Wyoming during 2024 has been relatively mild compared to previous years, the state’s residents are no strangers to severe winter storms. Given Wyoming’s unpredictable weather, which can bring snow and icy conditions well into May, it’s likely that drivers will face the usual winter driving challenges in the months ahead.
