Driving comes with a degree of risk. Even those with perfect records and vehicles that have high safety ratings can end up in crashes caused by other drivers. Being aware of one’s surroundings can help limit the risk of a crash.
So can decision-making based on collision trends. Drivers may want to avoid particularly busy roads and intersections during times of inclement weather or heavy traffic. They may also want to intentionally avoid driving at times when the possibility of a crash is substantially higher than normal.
According to federal collision data, there are some times when crash risk is noticeably higher than others. Drivers may want to limit how often they are on the road during the most dangerous times to drive outlined below.
1. After the sun sets
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the most dangerous time to drive is at night. Once the sun sets, there are numerous risk factors that increase collision risk. When looking at the number of crashes that occur versus the number of miles driven, the nighttime is undoubtedly the most dangerous time to be on the road.
Animal activity is one risk factor. Reduced visibility is another concern, especially in rural settings and residential neighborhoods with limited street lights. The increased prevalence of impaired motorists is another concern. So is the possibility of a fatigued driver falling asleep at the wheel.
2. After work on weekdays
The NSC identifies the afternoon rush hour on weekdays as the second most dangerous time to drive. The number of crashes that occur between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weeknights is higher than during other times of day.
Fatigue after a long day of work is one concern. Heavy levels of traffic and drivers distracted by their families calling them or their bosses texting them also increase crash risk. Some people stop off for drinks at happy hour on the way home, and others may succumb to road rage.
3. Holidays and the weekends near them
Holidays such as Christmas and the Fourth of July often see many people traveling to be with friends and family. Quite a few professionals have these days off of work as well. Given that many celebratory traditions involve alcohol, the risk of a drunk driving crash is noticeably higher on major federal holidays and the weekends that come immediately before or after them.
While people cannot necessarily avoid driving during all high-risk times, they can be more safety conscious during dangerous times on the road. Knowing when car crash risk is highest can help people optimize their safety and respond more effectively if a collision occurs.
