Despite several years of steady declines, deadly vehicle crashes are on the rise, according to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The safest day to be on the road in the Nation: Tuesday.
The most dangerous? Saturday.
Most people leaving work are more than likely distracted. The endless list of tasks tend to distract them from paying attention to the road during rush hour, when they should be most alert due to the high volume of cars on the road.
The NHTSA reports that most accidents occur during “rush hour,” between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. And according to the NHTSA, Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week to drive, primarily because there are more cars – and more drunk drivers – on the road than any other day. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 31% of fatal drunk-driving accidents occur on the weekend, and the highest number of drunk drivers are on the road between midnight and 3 a.m. Fatal crashes are also four times higher at night than during the day.
The second and third deadliest days were also associated with the weekend:
Friday (5,826) and Sunday (5,809) according to a 2016 study by Avvo.
The Reasons?
1. Drunk Driving – The NHTSA found that there were 10,497 deaths from alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2016.
2. Speeding – NHTSA says speeding is a type of aggressive driving behavior that increases the consequences by endangering yourself and other motorists and pedestrians due to a greater potential for loss of vehicle control and increased degree of crash severity and injuries.
What About in Florida?
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 2017 Traffic Crash Facts report – Monday is the safest day on the road and Saturday is the most dangerous.
Features Are a Help or Hindrance?
Safety advances such as automatic emergency braking, rearview cameras, lane departure warning and advanced air bags have helped improve car safety, while other features have been blamed for increasing distraction. An AAA study released blamed vehicle touchscreen systems for allowing drivers to use the systems while in motion, thus creating a distraction.
The Best Safe Driving Tips for Florida Motorists (along with anyone on the road nationwide)
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Brake smoothly and completely
- Check your visibility
- Allow room for yourself and other drivers
- Drive within the speed limit – Don’t be in a hurry, it’s not worth the risk
- Get rid of distractions
- Drive defensively
- Avoid road rage
- Follow the 2-second rule – Don’t tailgate
- Don’t drive impaired
If you’ve been the victim of a car wreck, it’s important that you don’t make any rash decisions, it is important to consult with a Board Certified Trial lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to help you. We know accidents can be stressful and want to make the process as easy as possible for you. Call Zarzaur Law, P.A. today at (855) Hire-Joe for a free legal consultation or visit www.zarzaurlaw.com.
Follow the link to the car wreck checklist and put yourself in the best possible position to receive the justice you deserve.
Joe Zarzaur is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney whose firm is dedicated to promoting community safety since 2007. OUR AREAS OF PRACTICE: Serious Personal Injury, Product Defect, Auto Accidents, Cycling Accidents, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Products Liability, Wrongful Death, Community Safety, Boat and Jet Ski Accidents, Slip and Fall Injuries, and more. Licensed in Alabama and Florida.
Sources:
https://www.bactrack.com/blogs/expert-center/35042821-the-most-dangerous-times-on-the-road
https://www.automoblog.net/2018/07/10/most-dangerous-times-to-drive/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/05/26/driving-car-crash-deaths-speeding/640781002/
https://bestlifeonline.com/smart-driving-strategies/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/study-finds-saturday-is-most-dangerous-day-to-drive-tuesday-is-safest/
https://www.smartstartinc.com/blog/safest-times-to-drive/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2017/10/06/nhtsa-2016-deadly-crashes/739842001/
https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/