John Wheeler: Little snows are more dangerous than big blizzards

FARGO — In some ways, relatively minor winter weather systems are more dangerous than the really big storms. When the region is shut down by a big blizzard, most folks close the door and stay in. When the forecast calls for light snow or patchy freezing drizzle, there is a tendency for many people to hit the highways despite the weather.

The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that about one fourth of all highway accidents are caused by weather. Most of these crashes happen when icy conditions are just beginning, and not when the freeway gates are closed. Of course, the bigger storms have a greater impact overall, as schools and businesses are shut down.



But the underlying fact remains that we are far more likely than we probably think to be involved in a serious or fatal car accident when there is just a little snow coming down and we are tempted to drive a little too fast for the conditions.