Tech marketer Hennessey Digital analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s fatality and injury reports to find out the time of day that had the most fatal crashes in each state from 2017 to the latest data from 2022. It shows that in general, deadly car crashes happen mostly in the evening.
- The research reveals that in South Carolina between 5 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. is also the riskiest time to drive in 11 other states across the country.
- These include Colorado, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon and Vermont.
- In 10 other states, including North Carolina, Ohio and New York, driving between 6 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. is the most dangerous.
- And in seven states, including California and Florida, the most dangerous time to drive is from 8 p.m. to 8:59 p.m.
- One reason driving in the evening can be so unsafe is that traffic is heavier during evening rush hour, plus people are more likely to be tired then.
To lower your risk of crashing and make evening driving safer, experts recommend drivers:
- Stay focused on the road, not your phone - Don’t text or get distracted by your phone and always follow the speed limit.
- Give speeding drivers plenty of space - They’re more likely to lose control of their car, so give them a lot of room or get out of their way.
- Know when it's better to stay off the road - If you’re too tired to drive, pull over for a nap at a rest stop or call for a ride.
Photo: saravuth-photohut / iStock / Getty Images