While a fatal car accident may take place at almost any time of day or season, certain times of the day or year seem to play a part in an increase in these fatalities. The National Safety Council notes that many fatal crashes happen on weekends, and a peak in non-fatal accidents usually leads up to this trend on the days just before.
Individuals who want to decrease the risk of a fatal accident may want to learn about other times of the year, month and day that these wrecks take place so they can remain more vigilant while behind the wheel.
Spring and summer crashes
Car accident fatalities in the spring and summer months tend to peak between 8:00 p.m. and midnight. This is likely due to daylight savings time arriving and the sun setting later in the day. As a result, people may drive after dinner. Teens might have their driving curfew extended. A later sunset may cause reduced visibility, especially in regions that see a great deal of sunlight.
Fall and winter crashes
The peak periods for fatal crashes in the fall and winter tend to occur earlier in the day, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The sun sets earlier during these times, and an earlier sunset may attribute to these crashes. Later fatal crashes likely do not occur because of bad weather combined with an early sunset, which may keep people indoors.
While fatal car accidents occur all year round, how frequently they occur is typically affected from month to month. Drivers may want to remain cautious during those peak times.