Fatal car accident statistics can show the time of day in which most crashes occur.
Fatal car accident statistics can show patterns of when these crashes are more likely to occur. However, they cannot prevent an individual from becoming the victim of another driver’s negligence.
Fatal Car Accident Statistics: Time of Day
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009 there were 30,797 fatal crashes. Most of the victims were drivers (17,640), with passengers accounting for 6,770 deaths and 64 being unknown.
The majority of fatal crashes occurred between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. (4,988). The second-deadliest time of the day was 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (4,944), and the fewest deadly crashes occurred between 3 a.m. and 6
a.m. (2,587).
The following is a breakdown of the days of the week and the deadliest times for fatal car accidents to occur:
• Sunday – midnight to 3 a.m. (1,072);
• Monday – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (687);
• Tuesday – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (677);
• Wednesday – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (663);
• Thursday – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (680);
• Friday – 9 p.m. to midnight (892); and
• Saturday – midnight to 3 a.m. (1,024).
Clearly, the later hours of the weekend prove to be the deadliest. Late afternoon to evening tend to be the riskiest times for driving during the week.
Statistics also show that during the week, most fatal accidents occurred between 5:00 and 5:59 p.m. During the weekend, it was between 2:00 and 2:59 a.m.
Alcohol-Related Fatal Car Accident Statistics: Time of Day
NHTSA reported that in 2009, the highest incidence of fatal crashes involving impairment occurred between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. (4,988). Surprisingly, the second-deadliest time period for alcohol-related fatalities occurred between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (4,944).
When it comes to the percentage of impaired drivers involved in a fatal crash, 55 percent took place between midnight and 3 a.m., and 42 percent between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. The smallest percentage was 5 percent between 9 a.m. and noon.
Common Causes of Fatal Crashes
Fatal car accident statistics don’t always reveal the causes. Although we know that alcohol impairment can be a significant factor, it’s important to consider some of the other reasons.
For instance, speeding is found to be a common cause of deadly accidents. The faster a vehicle travels, the more force there is upon impact. There are clues as to whether a driver was speeding, and when you hire injury lawyers in Clarksburg, WV, they can handle evidence collection in a drunk driving crash.
Inclement weather conditions can increase the risk of fatalities in a crash, particularly when the roads are wet or slick. This is yet another instance where witness interviews and preservation of evidence are key in a car crash case.
Although it may not be a cause, failure to wear a safety belt can increase the chance of an occupant being killed in a crash. Victims may be thrown from their vehicles, hit an object inside the car or go through the windshield.
Of course, lots of other factors, such as distracted driving, can increase the chance of a crash. Drivers need to be aware of these issues and take caution. Unfortunately, once a driver gets away with texting while driving, he or she likely will do it again.
