What Time of Day Do Most Crashes Occur

Most crashes occur during afternoon rush hour between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM when traffic volume peaks and driver fatigue accumulates. This period combines maximum vehicle congestion with drivers rushing home after work, creating dangerous conditions. The second-highest crash period occurs during morning rush hour from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM as commuters hurry to work. Fridays experience elevated crash rates throughout the day as weekend anticipation reduces driver attention. Weekend evenings, particularly Friday and Saturday nights between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM, see increased crashes involving impaired drivers, with alcohol-related accidents peaking around midnight to 2:00 AM. Surprisingly, fatal crashes occur more frequently at night despite lower traffic volumes, as darkness reduces visibility, fatigue impairs reaction times, and impaired driving increases. 

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Weather conditions interact with time patterns, with morning crashes rising during winter darkness and icy conditions. School zones experience elevated crash risk during drop-off and pick-up times. Understanding these patterns helps drivers exercise heightened caution during high-risk periods. Defensive driving becomes especially crucial during rush hours when congestion limits escape routes and driver frustration increases aggressive behaviors. If possible, adjust commute times to avoid peak crash periods, remain extra vigilant during afternoon and evening hours, and never drive impaired during high-risk nighttime periods when crash severity and fatality rates increase substantially despite reduced traffic.

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