The Most Dangerous Days and Times to Be Out on the Roads
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Can you guess the most dangerous times to drive? Below, we’ll share some of the riskiest times to be on the road according to safety experts.
It’s hard to completely avoid driving during these dangerous times, but it’s good to be extra cautious. Certain days, times, and even holidays are much more common for California car accidents than others.
Dangerous Holidays Due to Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is one of the biggest reasons why certain days of the year are more dangerous for everyone to be on the roads. Any holiday that involves celebration tempts people to go out and party, then drink and drive. Drugged driving is also a similar problem.
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that these are the most dangerous holidays of the year:
- Fourth of July
- Thanksgiving
- New Year’s Eve
- Christmas
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
The entire stretch of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is full of numerous dangerous weekends when people – especially teens and young adults – enjoy warm summer weather by drinking and driving. That’s why AAA calls this period the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers.
Riskiest Times of Day to Drive
Certain hours of the day consistently see more crashes than others due to traffic volume, distracted driving, and fatigue.
🛑 High-Risk Time Periods:
- 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (morning rush hour)
- 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (midday congestion)
- 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (evening rush hour)
- 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. (drunk/impaired driving spike)
✅ Safer Driving Windows:
- 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tip: If possible, plan your travel outside of rush hour and avoid late-night driving on weekends or holidays.
Car Accident Statistics by Time of Day and Day of the Week
Understanding when accidents happen most often can help you plan safer travel times. Both national and California-specific data reveal clear trends in traffic fatalities and collisions.
Peak Times for Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS):
- Most fatal crashes (35%) occur between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
This evening window includes rush hour and impaired driving risk. - 13% of all fatal crashes happen between midnight and 3 a.m., when alcohol involvement peaks.
Weekends account for 53% of all fatal crashes, with the highest spike on Saturday nights.
Drivers are 3x more likely to be involved in a fatal crash at night than during the day.
Worst Days of the Week for Driving
Fridays:
- Begin the weekend travel surge.
- Account for approximately 16% of all weekly traffic fatalities nationwide.
Saturdays:
- Most dangerous day overall.
- Alcohol involvement is a factor in 31% of Saturday night crashes, according to NHTSA data.
Sundays:
- Fatigue and long-distance return travel contribute to elevated crash risk.
Sundays see 15% of weekly crashes, many involving drowsy or distracted driving.
City Traffic Congestion
Here’s one you might not realize until you experience it for yourself: big city traffic congestion. Sitting still can be just as dangerous as roaring down the highway! You could be rear-ended by an out-of-control truck or be T-boned while waiting at an intersection.
Big cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have longer and more dangerous rush hours than smaller cities. This creates gridlock and driver frustration that can boil over into accidents.
For example, San Francisco’s evening rush hour starts as early as 4:30 p.m. and sometimes lasts late into the evening when big events are happening downtown. Despite the city’s best efforts to ease traffic congestion, the average daily San Francisco auto transit time has only decreased slightly since 2011.
The Winter Driving Season
Winter sees a rise in dangerous driving due to natural events like storms, sleet, snow, and ice. Although California has famously beautiful weather, we’re not immune from sudden, scary winter storms!
When people aren’t used to icy driving, a fast dip in temperatures can be even more dangerous for them. An icy morning or sleety evening in California can bring catastrophic crashes. Plus, every year, new teen drivers experience bad weather for the first time and might be unaware of how to handle it.
What would you do if you were in a traffic accident during one of these dangerous periods? It’s bad news for your car and your life, but here’s some good news: California law gives you options for pursuing compensation. Contact the Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers team for a free consultation about your accident.
Most Dangerous Highways and Intersections in California
Some California roadways and intersections are especially hazardous due to volume, layout, and accident history.
High-Risk Highways:
- I-5 (Interstate 5): High-speed accidents, especially in Central Valley
- Highway 99: Limited visibility and fog-related crashes
- I-405 (LA): Lane-weaving and congestion contribute to accidents
US-101: Common for multi-car pileups in Bay Area
High-Crash Intersections:
- Van Nuys Blvd & Roscoe Blvd (Los Angeles)
- Market St & 5th St (San Francisco)
- Florin Rd & Franklin Blvd (Sacramento)
Use extra caution when traveling on these routes, especially during rush hour or bad weather.
How to Stay Safe During High-Risk Driving Periods
Use these defensive driving tips to reduce your risk during the most dangerous times:
- Avoid driving late at night or during peak holiday hours.
- Plan your route and leave early to avoid rushing.
- Never drive under the influence or while fatigued.
- Stay alert and reduce distractions like phones and loud music.
- Be extra cautious in poor weather or high-traffic areas.
Know Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident
If you’re involved in an accident during one of these high-risk periods, California law may entitle you to compensation—even if the roads were dangerous or crowded.
You may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Even if another driver claims it was “just bad timing,” negligence may still be a factor. Talk to a lawyer.
FAQ: Dangerous Driving Times in California
What is the most dangerous time to drive in California?
Evening (6–9 p.m.) and late-night hours (11 p.m.–3 a.m.) are most hazardous due to traffic and impaired drivers.
Which days have the most car accidents?
Fridays and Saturdays see the most crashes, especially involving alcohol.
Are holidays riskier than weekdays?
Yes. Holiday weekends dramatically increase the risk of drunk driving accidents.
Is night or day driving safer?
Daytime, outside of rush hours, is generally safer due to better visibility and fewer impaired drivers.
Which highways should I avoid in California?
Highways like I-5, I-405, and US-101 are frequently cited in fatal and multi-vehicle crashes.
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus on Your Life
After an injury, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of the law, including traffic accidents during dangerous periods. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering while we handle the legal details.
We truly care about the people of California. Contact us today for a free online case evaluation.
