Last updated on November 20th, 2025 at 04:17 pm
Last year, Maine saw 171 fatal car accidents, just six below the 15-year high of 177 in 2022, according to the Portland Press Herald. (This uptick followed a significant drop in 2023, which unfortunately did not hold.) As any Mainer could guess, weather conditions like black ice, dense fog, high winds, snowstorms, and heavy rain caused many of these accidents.
Although winter often brings the worst driving conditions across Maine, foul weather can happen any time of year. Learn more about car accidents due to weather conditions in Maine and what you need to know if you’ve been in an accident.
Car Accidents Due to Weather Conditions in Maine
Extreme weather conditions like snow, sleet, ice, wind, or even fog can make driving dangerous. Add speed, recklessness, inexperience, alcohol, or inexperience only worsen things. speeding, recklessness, inexperience, fatigue, distraction, or driving under the influence even more dangerous. Weather-related accidents – whether a multi-car pile-up or a single car sliding off the road – can be fatal. Maine drivers must reasonably operate their cars based on the weather and road conditions. Drivers should adapt to conditions as appropriate to reduce risk. For example, a reasonable driver may decide that it is necessary to drive slower than normal, or even pull over when roads are icy or a blizzard has caused white-out conditions.
Seasonal Impact: Car Accidents Due to Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can make roads dangerous during any season, whether in spring, summer, or autumn.
Winter – Of all four seasons in Maine, winters inevitably bring the most car accidents due to weather. Ice makes stopping distances longer and creates the risk of losing control, while winter storms can also reduce visibility. Even setting precipitation aside, freezing temperatures alone can create vehicle problems. For example, ice can clog fuel lines (which could cause a car to stall unexpectedly), and frozen windshield wipers reduce visibility. Cold weather also thickens engine fluids, strainsthe car’s systems, and also lowers tire pressure, leading to uneven wear or blowouts that can cause accidents.
Spring – “Spring” is often a continuation of winter in Maine, and it’s important to remember that freezing conditions can still occur in March and even April. Common causes of spring car accidents include black ice, late-season snowfall, potholes, slick roads, decreased visibility, and wildlife activity. As with winter, precipitation makes roads slippery. While salt and sand help improve safety, slick roads remain a common hazard—especially on bridges and overpasses, where black ice frequently forms.
Summer – decreased visibility commonly causes summer accidents, strong winds, rain, and roadway debris.
Autumn – Common causes of autumn accidents include black ice, less daylight, Nor’easters, slick roads, sun glare, decreased visibility, and wildlife.
Contact Garmey Law’s Experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
As Maine car accident lawyers, Garmey Law understands how dangerous these can be. Every year, we see what happens when someone fails to accommodate weather conditions and adjust their driving to make it safer. Although no one can change the weather, we can all change what we do in response – whether it’s slowing down or staying off the roads altogether. When someone speeds, does not keep a lookout, or operates under the influence during bad weather conditions, the combination can often be fatal. If you’ve been in a vehicle accident partly caused by weather conditions, contact the car accident litigation experts at Garmey Law today.