Jan. 2, sophomore Erika Binegar experienced this firsthand. While traveling from Kemper Hall to the main building, Binegar slipped on a patch of ice. Binegar suffered a fractured knee, and has been confined to a cast and crutches. Salted walkways and sidewalks can help prevent such accidents from happening. Although walking poses a threat, the task that is most dangerous for teens during the winter months is driving.
Accidents are frequent and severe, due to weather conditions such as snow and ice.
Since teens account for seven percent of all drivers and twenty percent of all reported accidents, they are even more at risk when dangerous weather arises. Junior Philip Ohnemus was involved in a winter weather related accident in mid December. Slick roads can be unpredictable, but reduced visibility can add dangers that can also cause accidents. Jan. 3, senior Brent Willett and sophomore Ashley Wundram were involved in a collision, which was partly due to reduced visibility because of a pile of plowed snow. The snow blocked the view of oncoming traffic.