Shocking Statistics Reveal the Deadliest Hours on the Road

Car accidents can happen at any time, but certain times of the day, days of the week, and seasons of the year are more dangerous for drivers. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), most crashes occur during rush hour between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and fatal accidents peak on Saturday nights in the summer months.

In 2021 alone, there were approximately 13.2 million motor vehicle crashes across the U.S., averaging 36,164 crashes per day. While accidents can be unpredictable, human error—such as distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving—plays a major role in most incidents. Fortunately, many accidents are preventable with safe driving habits.

Let’s take a closer look at when and where car accidents happen most frequently, the states with the highest and lowest fatal crash rates, and ways to reduce your risk on the road.

Most Dangerous Times for Car Accidents

A car crash can happen at any time, but certain times of the day and year see more accidents than others. Based on data from the NSC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), here are the most dangerous periods for drivers:

Peak Hours for Accidents

• Rush Hour (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.) – The most dangerous time to drive, especially in urban areas.
• Late Night (8 p.m. – Midnight, Saturdays in summer) – The time when the highest number of fatal crashes occur.

Most Dangerous Months for Driving

• July, August, and October – These months see the highest number of fatal traffic crashes.
• Memorial Day to Labor Day – Known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” this period sees a sharp rise in car accidents, particularly among teen drivers.

Deadliest Day in 2021

• Saturday, August 7 had the highest number of traffic fatalities, with 201 deaths recorded in a single day.
• The daily average for fatal crashes in 2021 was 116 deaths per day.

Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen?

City vs. Rural Crashes

The location of car crashes varies depending on whether you’re in a city or a rural area:

• Urban Areas: Car accidents happen most often on highways, interstates, and freeways (21%), where high-speed traffic increases the risk of collisions.
• Rural Areas: More crashes occur on local and arterial roads (14%), where visibility, road conditions, and wildlife crossings can contribute to accidents.

States with the Highest and Lowest Fatal Car Crashes

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that some states have significantly higher rates of fatal crashes than others.

Top 5 States with the Most Fatal Crashes (2021):

1. Texas – 4,068 fatal crashes
2. California – 3,983 fatal crashes
3. Florida – 3,451 fatal crashes
4. Georgia – 1,670 fatal crashes
5. North Carolina – 1,535 fatal crashes

Top 5 States with the Fewest Fatal Crashes (2021):

1. Alaska – 59 fatal crashes
2. Rhode Island – 61 fatal crashes
3. Vermont – 69 fatal crashes
4. North Dakota – 85 fatal crashes
5. Hawaii – 94 fatal crashes

Who Is at the Highest Risk of Car Accidents?

Young and inexperienced drivers face higher risks on the road. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers aged 16 to 24 are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash than older drivers.

• Speeding is a major factor in fatal crashes among young drivers.
• 32% of teen drivers (18 and younger) who were involved in fatal accidents in 2021 were speeding at the time of the crash (NHTSA).

What Are the Odds of Being in a Fatal Car Accident?

The NSC estimates that the lifetime odds of dying in a motor vehicle crash are 1 in 93. However, these odds increase significantly if you:

 Drive aggressively
 Exceed the speed limit
 Spend long hours on the road
 Drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Learning defensive driving skills and adopting safe driving habits can greatly reduce your risk of an accident.

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Car Crash

Many car accidents are preventable by following safe driving practices. Here are some key driving safety tips:

Wear your seat belt – Ensure all passengers do the same.
Avoid drunk driving – Alcohol is a leading cause of fatal crashes. Always have a designated driver.
Stay focused – Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting GPS) is a major risk. Keep your eyes on the road.
Follow speed limits – Speeding reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
Take a defensive driving course – Learning to anticipate and react to dangers can make you a safer driver.
Be cautious at night – Reduced visibility and fatigue increase crash risks after dark.
Obey traffic laws – Following signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules helps prevent accidents.

What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident

If you ever find yourself in a car crash, here are the steps to take:

Check for injuries – Ensure you and your passengers are safe. Call 911 if needed.
Move to safety – If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further collisions.
Call the police – Report the accident and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
Exchange information – Collect details from other drivers (name, contact info, insurance, license plate).
Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible damages.
Contact your insurance company – Report the accident and begin the claims process.

Understanding how a car accident affects your insurance can also help you make informed decisions after a crash.

Car accidents remain a major safety concern in the U.S., with millions of crashes occurring each year. The most dangerous times to drive are during rush hour and late at night, especially in the summer months. Young drivers, speeding, and distractions are among the biggest risk factors for fatal accidents.

While crashes can happen unexpectedly, safe driving habits—such as obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, and driving defensively—can significantly reduce your risk. By staying alert and cautious on the road, you can help protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers.

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