Let’s be honest, the road is a dangerous place under the best of circumstances. We are operating large machines in fairly close spaces, after all. But, have you considered the factors that can increase the chances of accidents occurring on the road? Weather, for instance, can be a major contributing factor. Time of the year, week, and day can also be a major contributing factor. Noting the most dangerous times to hit the road can be important and help you plan accordingly. If you can’t plan to avoid the most dangerous times to drive, you can at least prepare yourself as best as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the most dangerous times to get behind the wheel.
What Time Is the Most Dangerous Time to Be Out Driving?
To start, let’s talk about the most dangerous times of the day to drive. Nighttime, of course, can be more dangerous due to the decrease in visibility as well as the increased risk of encountering someone driving under the influence. It is also worth noting that there are certain times of the day when you are more likely to encounter drowsy drivers. Drowsy drivers are dangerous drivers as they have slowed reaction times and impaired judgment. Did you know that our bodies experience natural drowsy times throughout the day? It’s true. Our bodies are naturally drowsier from 12 am to 6 am as well as from 2 pm to 4 pm. This means that there is increased danger on the roadways at these times of the day because of the likelihood that other drivers are experiencing heightened fatigue.
Now, let’s take a look at the times of the week that tend to be most dangerous on the roadways. The National Safety Council reports that many fatal car crashes happen on the weekends. They also relay the fact that there is a peak in non-fatal accidents in the days leading up to the weekends. The increase in the chances of being involved in a crash on the weekend or on the days just before the weekend could be for a number of reasons. Perhaps these are the times of the week when people are most likely to be heading out on a trip or on a trip. There may be increased road congestion at these times as well as an increase in the number of drivers unfamiliar with where they are going as they are from out of town.
Lastly, let’s take a look at the times of the year that tend to be most dangerous on the roadways. Winter, of course, can be particularly treacherous as the roadways can ice over. Inclement weather such as snow can greatly decrease visibility and make tire traction hard to come by. While there is likely to be a decrease in the number of drivers on the road in the winter months, the weather, icy conditions, and the fact that there is less daylight for driving can all make things more dangerous on the road.
istoSummer can also be one of the most dangerous times to drive as there are more people on the road than at any other time of the year. People are on vacation. They are taking trips. They are out of school. They are enjoying the nice weather. Traffic congestion can be a problem. Drinking and driving can be a problem. An increase in the number of teen drivers can be a problem. Considering all of this, it is no wonder that the summer shows an increase in the number of personal injury incidences and claims.
Kentucky Personal Injury Attorneys
At any time of the year, the team at Dickman Law is here to zealously represent you after being injured in an accident. Contact us today.
Posted in: Car Accidents