There are certain trends about when, where and why motor vehicle collisions occur that become obvious when examining the details of a large number of wrecks. Those trends can influence everyone’s safety in traffic.
Researchers analyze a variety of details about collisions to try to find ways to set better traffic policies or design safer vehicles. Individual drivers can also benefit from that research by identifying certain factors that may increase their risk of a crash. Personal behavior, like texting at the wheel or drug use, can play a major role in collision risk.
When and where someone decides to drive can also directly influence their likelihood of experiencing a crash. For example, those commuting to a first-shift job may benefit from knowing that the possibility of a wreck is much higher on the trip home from work than it is on the way in to work in the morning.
What do the statistics show?
The National Safety Council (NSC) can access federal collision data to identify trends and guide safety policy. When looking at the timing of crashes, any time after the sun sets is the most dangerous time to be on the road according to the NSC.
Nighttime driving carries the highest statistical risk, but it is not the only time of day that sees elevated collision risk. The NSC also highlights the afternoon rush hour on weekdays as a time when collisions are more likely. Between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. during the work week, drivers have a significantly elevated chance of a crash when compared with their morning commute.
Factors including the mid-afternoon energy slump, happy hour visits and distraction after work may all contribute to that reported increase in collisions. Although people don’t need to change their work schedules to avoid the afternoon rush hour, they may want to avoid busy streets, increase their following distance or just drive a little slower.
Learning about crash trends can help people focus more on safety at times when their chances of a motor vehicle collision are higher. People who make safety a high priority during particularly dangerous times on the road may reduce their risk of getting into a crash on their way home from work.
