The Most Likely Times and Places for Car Accidents

In the United States, an average of nearly six million car accidents are reported each year that involve more than 12 million vehicles. The National Bureau of Transportation (NBT) statistics states there are certain times when and places where auto collisions occur most often.

When Do Car Accidents Happen Most Often?

Cold weather and frozen precipitation make winter appear to be the most likely time of year for vehicle collisions. However, the distinction for the season with the most car crashes goes to summer when more car owners hit the road for family vacations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states August is the busiest month of the year for car accident reports. Motor vehicle collisions happen more times on weekends, with Friday representing the day when the most auto collisions are reported by drivers.

Between 4 pm and 8 pm is when car accidents get reported the most from October to March, and then the time of day changes to between noon and 3 pm during the warmer months of the year. Holiday weekends keep law enforcement agencies busy responding to auto collisions because the volume of traffic increases significantly on days such as Labor, Memorial, and Independence Day.

Car Accidents and Daylight Savings Time

In March, most Americans move their clocks ahead by one hour to account for Daylight Savings Time (DST). Federal lawmakers established DST to provide more light during the early evening hours of each day. According to a study released by Current Biology that analyzed more than 20 years of statistics, the number of auto collisions increases for at least one week after the start of DST. Fatigue caused by the switch to DST is the factor attributed the most to the rise in the number of car accidents during the first or second week of March.

Where Do Most Auto Collisions Occur?

A majority of car accidents happen close to home for several reasons. Distracted driving, whether it is from texting and driving or switching the dial on a car radio, is the most common reason why motorists get involved in vehicle collisions near home. Other factors that contribute to the close-to-home car accident phenomenon include parked cars, rush hour traffic volume, and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. The specific locations where most car accidents occur are in rural areas, as well as in parking lots and high-volume intersections in more urban settings.

Some of the most effective strategies for remaining safe on the road include following speed limit laws, paying attention to the road in front of you, and staying the recommended safe distance from the next closest motor vehicle.