It's an accident waiting to happen. A car accident, to be specific. As the cold months of winter hit, and the snow begins to pile, an unexpected shortcoming of LED traffic lights is revealed - the energy-saving light bulbs are unable to melt the snow.

One of the many advantages the bulbs offer is that they run cooler than traditional bulbs. This generally makes LEDs safer for consumers as it makes them less of a fire hazard and reduces the risk of burns. But now this same safety-feature is proving hazardous for drivers.

According to Inside Tech, the weather has so badly obscured LED traffic lights in Wisconsin that several accidents have already occurred, including one fatality. Similar tragedy struck Illinois when a driver plowed through a blocked traffic light, killing 34-year-old Lisa Richter who had the right of way.

Devastated locals and concerned officials are blaming LEDs. Inside Tech reports that Detective Rob Sherwood, who was involved in the Richter case, thinks the bulbs – or officials who installed them - are more to blame than drivers. "Would the accident have occurred if the lights had been clear? I would be willing to bet not," he said.

Measures are being taken to fix this life threatening oversight, including adding weather shield and water resistant coatings to LED traffic bulbs. These safety options could help officials provide safe streets and get up to 90 percent energy savings. More, LEDs are still the most environmentally safe lighting product in the market, offering unparalleled energy-saving benefits when put to appropriate use.