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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), over 70% of the nation's roads exist in regions that receive more than five inches of annual snowfall. About a quarter of weather-related vehicle crashes happen on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, with these wrecks killing more than 1,300 and injuring more than 116,800 people each year.

Though it may seem obvious that ice and snow can contribute to risks on the road, the FHWA broke down the specifics of how winter conditions affect drivers: "Snow and ice reduce pavement friction and vehicle maneuverability, causing slower speeds, reduced roadway capacity, and increased crash risk. Average arterial speeds decline by 30 to 40 percent on snowy or slushy pavement. Freeway speeds are reduced by 3 to 13 percent in light snow and by 5 to 40 percent in heavy snow. Heavy snow and sleet can also reduce visibility. Lanes and roads are obstructed by snow accumulation, which reduces capacity and increases travel time delay."