Motor vehicle accidents increase your risk of injury, property damage and criminal charges. While you can’t always prevent a car crash on Arizona roadways, defensive driving and staying alert can help you lower your chances. Thanks to government research, you can also avoid driving during times when accidents are more likely to happen.
When do most fatal car accidents happen?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) pools data every year to determine trends affecting road safety. While this data changes slightly from year to year, you can use it when planning events. Paying attention to these trends can add an extra layer of protection to your defensive driving.
In 2020, the most dangerous times to drive, rated by the number of fatalities, were:
- Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- Friday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday nights from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Statistics showed 12.3% of fatal motor vehicle accidents occurred during these times.
Data also shows that most non-fatal car accident injuries occur on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Unfortunately, it isn’t clear whether this includes injuries with delayed symptoms.
When are the safest times to travel?
According to NHTSA data, some days and times lend themselves to road safety. While it may not be possible to align your schedule with safety statistics, it helps to have a general understanding of when you’ll face less risk on the roads.
The fewest car accidents occur:
- Tuesday mornings from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- Tuesday mornings from midnight to 3 a.m.
- Thursday mornings from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Other ways to keep yourself safe on the road include:
- Exercising before taking the wheel
- Refraining from alcohol and drugs
- Eating after you reach your destination
With more than 36,000 deaths attributed to auto accidents every year, driving safely isn’t a joke. Take steps to lower your risks, including staying off the road at the most dangerous times.