When Do Most Car Collisions Happen?
It depends. Rush hours, nights, weekends, and certain winter months are when car collisions are most likely to occur.
Did you know? The three most common causes of highway collisions are distracted driving, speeding, and tailgating.
When are car collisions most likely to happen?
Key factors to consider:
Time of day
- Rush hours (morning and evening): Most collisions occur during peak traffic times, typically from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM, when commuter traffic is at its highest.
- Nighttime: Accidents also peak during the evening hours, especially between 9 PM and midnight. Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and alcohol consumption are common contributing factors.
- Late night to early morning (midnight to 6 AM): The risk of accidents is especially high during these hours due to factors like impaired driving, drowsiness, and reduced visibility.
Day of the week
- Friday and Saturday nights: Collisions are more frequent on these nights, often linked to increased alcohol consumption and higher traffic volumes from social gatherings.
- Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): Weekday accidents are common, especially during rush hours, though the overall risk tends to be lower than during weekends.
Weather conditions
- Rain and snow: Poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, or icy roads, increase the likelihood of collisions. Slick surfaces reduce traction and make it harder to stop or maneuver safely.
- Clear weather: Surprisingly, many accidents also occur on sunny days, particularly during rush hours when traffic is heavier.
Beware of winter weather: Car collisions tend to increase during the winter months, especially in November, December, and January.
Road conditions
- Intersections and turns: Many collisions happen at intersections or while making turns. These areas are high-risk due to missed signals, speeding, or misjudged turns.
- High-speed roads: Highways and freeways see more severe accidents due to higher speeds, although low-speed crashes in urban areas and parking lots are also common.
Driver behavior
- Distracted driving: Activities like texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car systems significantly increase the risk of accidents.
- Drunk driving: Alcohol impairment is a leading cause of accidents, particularly late at night and on weekends.
Final thoughts
The most common times for car collisions are during rush hours (morning and evening), weekends (especially Friday and Saturday nights), nighttime, and in poor weather conditions. Adjust your driving to road and traffic conditions and stay alert to reduce your risk.
Stay safe on the road and drive responsibly!