Every time you get in a motor vehicle, you take your life in your hands. Yes, most trips are completely uneventful, but it only takes a half second for a drunk driver or someone texting at the wheel to crash into your vehicle and change your life forever.
Being aware of the most dangerous driving habits, like drunk driving, as well as general safety information can help you reduce your risk of getting into a severe collision. You can make better choices about when and how you drive when you know what exposes you to the highest degree of risk.
Learning about when you are most likely to get into a crash could help you minimize how often you drive during the most dangerous times of the day. When is your risk for a collision at its highest?
Driving after dark is statistically the most dangerous time
According to a thorough report by the National Safety Council, drivers out on the roads after dark are at the highest risk of getting into a crash. Darkness affects visibility. There is also an elevated risk of encountering drunk drivers on their way home after an evening out at the bar.
Many serious crashes occur late at night and in the early morning hours, making nighttime the most dangerous time of day. However, there is an unfortunate runner-up in this contest for the most dangerous time to drive that may not be as easy to avoid as late-night driving.
The afternoon rush hour is also a dangerous time
Millions of Americans drive every day to get to and from work, and quite a few of them do so on a standard first-shift schedule. During their afternoon drive home, they will be tired and likely more focused on their destination than on the trip.
The National Safety Council reports that weekdays between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. are another time when your risk of a serious collision increases substantially. Distraction, fatigue and even intoxication from happy hour may all contribute to the elevated risk in the late afternoons and evenings.
Knowing when you have more potential for a crash can help you make driving decisions that could reduce your risk of getting into a serious car wreck.