If there's one thing a fleet driver knows, it's that certain times of day are easier to drive than others. In the quiet of the early morning or late at night when everyone is still asleep is the most peaceful time. Freeways are almost empty and you can enjoy many roads to yourself. But people rarely consider the opposite; the most dangerous times to drive. A study of crashes by day and time have revealed that some times are far more dangerous to drive than others.
What is the most dangerous time to drive, or the most dangerous day of the year? Drivers are at the most risk when the roads are packed with people who are stressed out and distracted. Any time these conditions are met, more accidents are likely to occur. These statistics can reveal important nuances of road safety to help keep your fleet safe during high-risk times.
The Most Dangerous Time of Day
- End-of-Day Rush Hour
- Late on Weekends
The most dangerous time of day to be on the road is in the late afternoon to evening. However, the exact hours vary by season and the day of the week. For example, roads are more dangerous between 8 pm to 8 am on the weekends, while midnight to 8 AM is one of the quietest times on weekdays.
In the spring and summer, the most fatal crashes occur between 8pm to midnight when people are more likely to be intoxicated, but non-fatal crashes are more likely to happen between noon and 4pm when people are out running errands and filling the roads during the day.
In contrast, colder months from November to March see a rise in fatal crashes between 4pm and 8pm when the most people are out on icy roads at the same time.
Typically, risk rises during rush hour, but especially in the early evening when everyone is stressed out from work and distracted by the day's events. The risk of rush hour (4pm to 8pm on weekdays is rivaled only by the risk of driving during party hours on weekends.
What is the Most Dangerous Day to Drive?
- Saturday
Typically, the most dangerous day of the week to drive is Saturday. This is because everyone is trying to get their errands and "fun time" done in a rush. People are taking unfamiliar routes outside their commute. They are traveling with distracting friends, lovers, or children in the car. They are in a hurry, and as the evening gets late, the percentage of intoxicated drivers will increase.
However, Friday and Saturday are close seconds in risk for the same reasons. Late afternoon to early evening on friday is especially dangerous as people rush home from work stress to begin their weekend.
Holidays
While these studies don't cover holidays, it should be noted that holiday travel days are often higher risk. More people are traveling, taking unusual routes, and in a distracted state.
The Deadliest Day in 2021
One interesting and terrifying fact is that August 7th was the single deadliest year to drive in 2021, according to injury report statistics. The day meets a record 201 deaths from car accidents on that date.
Which Month is the Deadliest to Be On the Road?
- July - October
Each year, the statistics vary on the most dangerous month for driving. However, the general trend suggests that July through October typically have the most vehicle-related deaths per 100 vehicle miles traveled. In 2020, October barely ranked higher than August in terms of deadliness. In 2020, July, August, and October shared the top rank. In 2017, July clearly takes the cake. However, this span of months is always at the peak of the chart for the most deadly car accidents.
The safest months tend to be January and February, when most people are traveling less and driving more carefully on icy roads.
Keeping Your Fleet Safe
Fleet drivers are on the road every day, at times of day determined by their hours of business. While it is impractical to avoid these "most dangerous" times for drivers, it is possible to increase awareness and safety protocols during this time. Just knowing when the risk is highest can help your drivers watch out for known dangers and drive defensively when the need arises. For more unique insights on fleet safety and fleet management resources, contact us today.
