Whether you are going on vacation or just heading to work, you probably consider the best times to travel to avoid slow traffic or dangerous drivers. Perhaps you are one of the many who even stay home on New Year’s Eve because of the potential for meeting a drunk driver on the road.
After analyzing much data, researchers have come up with the most ideal times for traveling by car. By calculating the number of accidents and other risks at various times, researchers have concluded that there are certain times when you will be less likely to be in an accident. On the other hand, there are times when it is not good for anyone to be on the road.
Timing is not everything
Obviously, when the weather is bad, it is wise to avoid driving if possible. Fog, rain, and the rare snow or ice in Louisiana can make roads slick and visibility low. However, certain times of year can be more dangerous than others for travel by car. For example, summer travel months between May and September have a much higher rate of accidents. In November and December, you will encounter holiday travelers and often those who have been drinking alcohol.
In general, researcher suggest that you consider the following factors when you drive:
- Fewer fatal accidents occur on Tuesday, but Wednesday also has a low rate of fatalities.
- Weekends have a high rate of deadly crashes.
- You are more likely to encounter drowsy drivers between midnight and six in the morning.
- Between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., considered “nighttime hours,” you are three times more likely to encounter a drunk driver.
- Nighttime hours also have more accidents related to drivers’ inability to see well in the dark.
- Driving before 7 a.m. and after 8 a.m. often means encountering fewer frustrated, rushing or distracted drivers.
- Morning driving also means you are less likely to deal with pedestrians or bicyclists.
Of course, it is impossible to restrict your driving to only those ideal times of the day and week. Even if you could stay off the road during statistically dangerous times, that is no guarantee that you would never encounter a reckless or negligent driver. An accident at any time of the day or night may leave you with serious injuries, medical bills and loss of income while you recover.