Car crashes can occur without warning at any time or location. However, statistics show that there are certain trends regarding collision risk. Motorists who are aware of those trends can potentially make safety-conscious decisions about when they get behind the wheel.
People often have to drive at specific times of day to commute to their jobs or get their children to school on time. When motorists are aware of the situations that increase their risk, they can plan their days more effectively. Even if they must drive during dangerous times, they can pay closer attention to their surroundings.
According to federal collision data, there are two times of day when the chance of a wreck is highest. What are the least-safe times to be on the road?
After the sun sets
Nighttime is statistically the most dangerous time to drive. Visibility issues and the increased presence of intoxicated motorists headed home after parties end or bars close contribute to the potential for a nighttime collision. Although driving during the dark is not always avoidable, minimizing nighttime driving can go a long way toward reducing a person’s risk of a severe crash.
During the afternoon rush hour
The more vehicles there are on the road at once, the greater the possibility of a preventable crash. When a large percentage of those drivers are also potentially fatigued due to a long day at work and distracted by their phones, the risk of a crash is unignorable.
The National Safety Council acknowledges the afternoon rush hour between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weeknights as the second most dangerous time to be on the road. Exhaustion, traffic congestion, road rage and even drunk drivers who stopped at happy hour on their way home all contribute to the possibility of an afternoon rush hour collision.
Motorists may not be able to simply stay off the road during dangerous times due to career and family demands. However, they can slow down, give other drivers more space and be especially proactive about safety when they know their chances of a crash are higher than usual.
Anyone involved in a crash caused by a distracted, drunk or otherwise unsafe motorist may be able to request compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the driver at fault or the wreck. Reviewing the circumstances of a recent motor vehicle collision with a skilled legal team can help injured people identify their options and hold the right party accountable.