Some accidents are simply unavoidable. No matter how responsible you are behind the wheel, there’s always a chance you will encounter a drunk, distracted, or reckless driver. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk significantly by avoiding the roads during certain days and times.
We reviewed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and other agencies to determine when collisions are most likely to occur. When the dust settled, the following days and times turned out to be associated with an inordinately high rate of auto accidents:
- Afternoon Rush Hour
According to the NHTSA, most car accidents happen during rush hour—between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. This should come as no surprise since more vehicles on the road means there are more opportunities for collisions to occur. And in congested cities like Houston, bumper-to-bumper traffic is a common sight during the afternoon rush hour, so all it takes is a moment's inattention to cause a rear-end collision, which is the most frequently reported type of accident.
- Drinking Holidays
It goes without saying that the roads are far less safe around drinking holidays. The most dangerous holidays to drive are Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Easter, Christmas, and New Year's. Not only are there more vehicles on the road—over 100 million people travel for the holidays—but there’s also a sobering spike in drunk driving. On Christmas and New Year’s, for example, up to three times as many people die in alcohol-related collisions compared to the rest of the year.
- Between Midnight and 3 a.m.
There are more drunk drivers on the roads between midnight and 3 a.m. than during any other three-hour time interval of the day, according to the American Automobile Association. Driving during these hours is particularly dangerous on Saturday and Sunday.
- At the Start of a Rainstorm
About 1 in 5 accidents are weather-related, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Many of these collisions happen just after a rainstorm starts. The reason? A thin layer of water on the road will bring oil and grease to the surface, making the roads slick.
Injured in a Crash? Speak to a Car Accident Attorney in Houston
Regardless of when an accident occurs, it is usually the case that driver negligence played a role. Even if you think inclement weather was a contributing factor, it is likely that driver error was at least partially responsible for the crash. If you were hurt or lost a family member in a collision that someone else caused, you may be entitled to compensation.
Chelsie King Garza, P.C. is one of the top car accident attorneys in Houston. Chelsie can help you account for all the damages you may be owed and make sure the insurance company treats you fairly. For a free consultation, send us a message or call 713-893-8808. We will come to you if you are unable to come to us.
