What are the Most Dangerous Times for Driving?
- May 24, 2019
- Sandy
LOS ANGELES — Over 40 million Americans are expected to be on the roads this Memorial Day weekend, according to a AAA analysis. With so many drivers behind the wheel, the National Safety Council believes it’s the most dangerous weekend of the year to be driving.
The Los Angeles car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm say there are a number of daily circumstances, times of year, and average road conditions that can increase or decrease the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Usually, when more vehicles are on the road (such as Memorial Day weekend) or weather is worse, a higher number of accidents can take place.
Dangerous Times of Year
The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days.” Some of the highest rates of fatal traffic accidents involving teenage drivers occur between the two holidays, with nine out of the top 10 deadliest days for teen drivers falling between May and August every year.
A major reason for the uptick in deadly vehicle accidents among teen drivers is summer break. Most students in the country are not in school during these months, which means more teens on the road at all hours, more opportunities for late-night driving, and more teenage drinking and driving.
Aside from teens, in general, more alcohol-related vehicle accidents occur in the summer, as well as more accidents in construction zones. More accidents from inclement weather tend to occur in the spring and winter, when rain, snow, and ice are likely to cover the roadways.
Most Dangerous Holidays
Holidays are times for celebration, and they bring people together. That usually means more people on the roadways and more people drinking and driving. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day (July 4) tend to be the deadliest holidays every year in the United States.
The group ValuePenguin reviewed the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System to determine which holidays had the highest numbers of fatal vehicle collisions during the years 2011 to 2015. Memorial Day weekend was the deadliest holiday with an average of 312 fatal accidents. This year, that number is expected to rise as more Americans plan to travel by car.
Next was Labor Day weekend with 308 fatal accidents, followed by Independence Day with 307 fatal accidents.
The holiday period spanning from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is also a dangerous time each year. The Thanksgiving travel period in 2018 was expected to be one of the busiest in decades, increasing the likelihood of vehicle accidents. Arrests for driving under the influence are also at their highest from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.
Dangerous Times of Day/Week
Certain days of the week and times of day carry higher risks of car accidents as well. The Los Angeles car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm have noted that more accidents tend to happen during rush hour on Friday (between 3pm and 6pm). One LA car accident attorney says with so many people trying to get a jump-start on their weekends, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.
Statistically, fatal collisions are least likely on Tuesday.
In addition, several studies have found that accidents are more likely to take place at night. Despite there being 50% less traffic on the roads overnight, there are just as many accidents as there are during the daytime.
Another dangerous time to be on the road? Sunset. A significant jump in deadly collisions occurs as the sun is setting each day. The time period from 4 p.m. to 6:59 p.m. is when the most traffic fatalities happen each day. This is likely due to the evening rush hour traffic and nightfall.
The time period from 7 a.m. to 9:59 a.m. generally has the fewest accidents.
What To Do
All of this information is interesting, but the fact is that accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. If you or a loved one has been hurt by an irresponsible motorist, it can be an added frustration to your already stressful life.
That’s why it’s important to get in touch with an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced legal team can immediately investigate your case and negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you’re getting the most compensation possible. This compensation can help cover the costs associated with an accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Transportation costs
- Rehabilitation and other treatments
- Pain and suffering
- And more…
The Barnes Firm has car accident attorneys in Los Angeles with decades of experience ready to help you with your claim. Our results speak for themselves, as we’ve helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation after car accidents in California. Contact us or call us anytime for a FREE case evaluation.
The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000
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