Most people have very little advance notice of a crash. Some people don’t even notice the car heading toward them until after the vehicles make contact. Even when people see a vehicle approaching in an unsafe manner, it may already be too late to avoid the collision.
The best time to avoid a crash is before heading out on the road. People can choose not to drive while they feel fatigued or after drinking. They can make choices about what vehicles they operate and what roads they travel. The timing of their travel may be an important consideration. Statistically, there are some times that are more dangerous than others.
For example, August is often the most dangerous month to drive, while Saturday is overall the most dangerous day to be on the road. When looking at the time of day, there are two times when drivers may want to limit their presence on the road or make safety more of a priority. What are the most dangerous times of the day to be on the road?
After the sun sets
The most dangerous time to drive is when it is dark outside. Visibility issues and animal activity contribute to risk levels after the sun sets. The increased presence of impaired drivers can also contribute to collision risk after the sun sets. According to research by the National Safety Council, many of the worst crashes occur during the nighttime.
During afternoon rush hour
There is another time that is particularly dangerous to drive. People who are on the road between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weeknights are at risk of rush hour collisions. Crash rates tend to be higher in the late afternoon due to heavy traffic volumes, driver fatigue, distraction and intoxication.
Obviously, drivers cannot commit to staying off the road every Saturday or any time after the sun sets. They also cannot consistently avoid driving during rush hour. What they can do is focus more on safety when the timing of their trip increases their likelihood of a motor vehicle collision. Drivers can also have plans in place to respond appropriately after a crash. Holding another driver accountable for causing a car crash can help people cover their property damage expenses and injury-related costs.