Deadliest Times of the Year for Motorists

Some days your risk of getting into an accident while on the road drastically increases. An essential aspect of defensive driving is learning the best times to drive and the days and times to avoid being on the road. Statistics show that certain holidays, days of the week and times of the day put motorists at a higher risk of being involved in a vehicle accident. Learn more about the most deadly times of the year for drivers.

June, July and August are considered the deadliest months of the year for motorists. Whether it’s the nice weather or increased travel due to summer vacation, these months result in the most road facilities. Driving between Memorial Day and Labor Day is especially dangerous, accounting for twice as many car accident-related deaths than the remaining days of the year combined.

The deadliest days of the year can be found in the months of June and July. For the month of June, the 10^th, 16^th and 17^th are considered most deadly. In July, the 4^th and 15^th are the days to steer clear of all roadways. In comparison, the least deadly days to drive can be found in January, February, March and December. The 15^th and 24^th of January, the 27^th of February, the 20^th of March and the 25^th of December are safest.

While all the days of the week bring on their own risk when you’re in control behind the steering wheel, some days are considered more deadly than others. The deadliest days of the week can be found in order from most deadly to least deadly. These include Saturday as the most deadly, followed by Sunday, Friday, Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday and then Monday. Monday is considered the safest day for motorists.

The deadliest times of the year can also be broken down into specific times of the day. The morning tends to be the safest time of the day to drive. Evening and night driving is most dangerous, beginning at 3 PM to 4 PM. Other times of the day that are more dangerous to drive include 5 PM and 6 PM, 6 PM and 7 PM, 7 PM and 8 PM, and 9 PM and 10 PM. The least deadly times are between 3 AM and 6 AM and 8 AM to 10 PM.

Certain whether conditions can drastically increase your risk of getting into a car accident. Rain can reduce your visibility, making it harder to see oncoming traffic and the road ahead of you. The same can be said for snow, hail and sleet. Even windy days can be dangerous if it blows snow or vehicles into roadways or traffic. Avoid driving in harsh weather conditions that could make it difficult to drive safely.

Some times of the year are simply more dangerous for motorists. Around the holidays and in certain months, days of the week and times of the day present an increased hazard. Consider these statistics the next you head out on the roadways.