According to MassDOT and recent crash data portal updates, the following roads in the region have seen the highest concentration of winter incidents this year:I-495: The deadliest stretch in the region, with 40 crashes recorded so far this season. I-95 & I-93, these major arteries have seen 33 and 32 significant crashes, respectively. State Highways: Interestingly, 55% of fatal crashes in Massachusetts happen on state highways (like Route 1 or Route 133) rather than the big interstates, likely due to the presence of intersections and stop signs

Triton student Jared Nickerson was in an unfortunate accident during the winter storm last week “ I was driving, trying to get my mom medicine since my dad was working and while I was driving there was a car going way to fast and came up to a stop sign and completely went straight through it, and the side of his car ended up hitting mine, but luckily I wasn’t hurt or the driver, he says.

Crash data: Massachusetts State Police reported responding to over 400 crashes as a direct result of the major winter storm systems in late January alone. As of early February 2026, Massachusetts has already recorded 15 confirmed traffic fatalities this year, several of which were linked to the poor visibility and slick road conditions during storm events. In 2026, Massachusetts faced a particularly dangerous winter season, largely due to Winter Storm Fern and a series of “bomb cyclones” in late January and early February.

I consider all factors regarding safety on these calls. I will say, however, that I weigh the overall safety of the roads in general rather than student drivers specifically. While it may not be the popular choice, these days, families have the option of having their inexperienced student drivers ride on the bus. Buses are indeed a far safer option for students on those days. Says Triton staff member Brian Forget. 

He also says, “ As a general rule, I look to make a decision by 5:15, notify all staff no later than 5:30, and families by 6:00 AM. Different storms call for different timing, but that’s my general timing plan. We generally have all the information well enough to predict for the next several hours, so at all costs, I am making a call that I’m confident in to avoid those mid-commute decisions. But if an emergency did arise, I would still cancel and work to get students and staff safely back home. 

The data below summarizes the impact of these storms on the roads across the state and nationwide to help contextualize your journalism paper.Statewide Surge: Massachusetts State Police reported responding to over 400 crashes as a direct result of the major winter storm systems in late January alone.

Fatalities: As of early February 2026, Massachusetts has already recorded 15 confirmed traffic fatalities this year, several of which were linked to the poor visibility and slick road conditions during storm events. Urban vs. Rural Risk: Approximately 95.4% of fatal crashes in Massachusetts occur in urban areas (like Greater Boston) due to the sheer density of vehicles. However, while fewer crashes happen in rural areas (like the towns in the Triton district), those accidents are often more severe due to higher speeds and longer emergency response times. 

There are highly rated cars for snow that are affordable for students and families that may not have a ton of money to give for a first car. Some of these vehicles include the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and the Ford Escape. All of these vehicles offer great features that help with traversing through the snow on winter days. For a new driver, the “Slip-and-Grip” systems in these SUVs are ideal. Unlike older 4×4 trucks that require the driver to manually engage a lever, these systems use sensors to detect wheel slip and automatically send power where it’s needed. 

Subaru: Their Symmetrical AWD is “always on,” providing a heavy, planted feel that reduces the chance of losing traction in the first place. Honda & Ford: These systems are front-wheel-drive biased, which means they feel like a normal car until things get slippery, making them very easy to transition into.

Forget lastly said “ I make decisions based on the majority. I look at the overall safety of the conditions of our schools and driveways with our district staff, along with the safety of the roads across