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What time of day are car accidents most likely?

On Behalf of | Mar 19, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you’re new to driving in California, you may feel nervous or stressed, at first. Especially in busy areas such as San Diego, you will no doubt encounter heavy traffic on highways, such as the Montgomery Freeway, that have eight lanes. Lane-splitting is legal in this state, which can also cause anxiety for drivers who are inexperienced. Lane-splitting means that motorcyclists can travel along the solid yellow lines in between traffic lanes. Car accidents occur every day, and data shows that certain times of day pose the greatest risk. 

If you must travel during a high-risk time, it is imperative to stay alert and cautious at the wheel. You are not responsible for, nor can you control, another motorist’s behavior. Therefore, if someone hits you due to driver negligence, you may seek restitution for damages.  

These 3 hours pose the greatest risk for car accidents 

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., there is a high risk of car accidents. In fact, current data shows that more collisions occur between these hours than at any other time of day. More than 30% of the accidents that take place within this timeframe involve driver intoxication. This is something to keep in mind any time you get into a vehicle during this timeframe.  

The percentage of drunk driving crashes is greatest after midnight 

Between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m., if another vehicle hits you, there is a great possibility that the driver was acting under the influence of alcohol. More than half of all car accidents that occur during these hours are later determined to have included alcohol as a key factor. Drunk drivers are a menace to California roadways. If you or your loved one suffer injuries because of someone’s irresponsible choice to drink and drive, you shouldn’t have to bear financial responsibility for the incident.  

Noon to 3 is also a high-risk time 

Many car accidents happen during the early afternoon hours. A lot of businesspeople take lunch breaks at this time and may dine out, which means they must use their vehicles to travel to their destinations. This is also a heavy traffic time for parents who drive to pick up their children from school. Compared to the same timeframe during after-midnight hours, the percentage of drunk driving collisions in the afternoon hours is much lower.  

Overall, traveling at night increases your risk of collision much more than any other time of day. Approximately 35% of all accident-related fatalities occur between 6 p.m. and midnight. Regardless of where the hands on a clock may have been at the time, if a California driver hits you, state law allows you to seek financial recovery for your losses.