At the Skinner firm, we understand that while car crashes may seem random, certain days and seasons are statistically more hazardous. In fact, holiday weekends, dark fall evenings, and other specific times of year often see an increase in crashes and more severe injuries.
Understanding when the roads are riskiest can help you and your family make safer choices.
1. May Through October: The Deadliest Driving Season
Warmer weather may seem ideal for driving, but it’s actually the most dangerous time to be on the road. Between May and October, more Americans are out driving, whether going on vacation, attending events, or simply enjoying the longer days. With more vehicles on the road, the number of crashes climbs sharply. According to data from the National Safety Council’s Injury Facts, traffic deaths are consistently highest from May through October, with these six months accounting for more than half of all fatal crashes in a typical year. This makes it the deadliest stretch of the calendar for American drivers.
2. October: The Worst Month for Fatal Crashes
October stands out as the single most dangerous month for deadly car crashes. Sunset happens earlier, and many drivers are still on the road during dusk. Fall activities like football games, festivals, and school events increase traffic, especially on weekends. Wet leaves and shifting weather conditions can also make roads more hazardous.
3. Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer, and with it, a rise in holiday crashes. This long weekend brings parties, travel, and, unfortunately, drinking and driving. Roads are crowded with people heading out of town, and many underestimate the danger.
4. Fourth of July
Independence Day celebrations often lead to tragedies on the roads. Each year, people travel to enjoy fireworks, BBQs, parades, and time with loved ones. But late-night driving, heavy traffic, and alcohol create dangerous conditions.
5. Labor Day Weekend
Like Memorial Day, Labor Day weekend festivities draw thousands of travelers. It’s the last chance for a summer getaway—and a time when people are often distracted, tired, or in a rush. Traffic increases, and the risks go up with it.
6. Thanksgiving Week
Thanksgiving brings families together but also causes one of the year’s biggest traffic spikes. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, in particular, is one of the most dangerous travel days. Long drives, drowsy drivers, and stress all contribute to a higher number of accidents.
7. Christmas and New Year’s
Winter holidays come with extra driving, wintry weather, and late-night celebrations. While fewer people may be on the road compared to Thanksgiving, conditions are worse, and drivers may be more impaired.
8. Saturday Nights
Statistically, Saturday is the worst day of the week for deadly crashes. It’s when people go out to eat, attend events, or visit with friends, often staying out late into the evening. Nighttime driving increases the risk of accidents caused by impaired visibility, fatigue, and alcohol. According to the National Safety Council, Saturday consistently has the highest number of fatal crashes across the U.S., especially during evening and nighttime hours when roads are most active with weekend drivers.
9. Halloween Night
On Halloween, children walk around in the dark—many of them in dark costumes. At the same time, adults may be heading home from parties. This mix leads to a spike in pedestrian accidents and alcohol-related crashes.
10. Spring Daylight Saving Time
Each spring, the clocks “spring forward,” and we all lose an hour of sleep. That small change affects drivers more than you might think. Sleep-deprived drivers are more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel, especially during early morning commutes when their bodies haven’t fully adjusted. According to the University of Colorado Boulder, fatal car crashes in the U.S. increase by 6% during the workweek following the spring Daylight Saving Time change. This spike is linked to the loss of sleep and the shift in light patterns that affect driver alertness.
Safer Driving Starts With Smart Timing
While you can’t always avoid the road during high-risk times, awareness matters. Here are a few tips to stay safe:
- Avoid driving late at night, especially on weekends or holidays.
- Don’t drive when you’re tired or after even one drink.
- Use extra caution during times of change or in low visibility.
- Leave early and plan for delays during busy travel weekends.
At Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how devastating a car crash can be—not only for those injured, but for entire families. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, we’re here to help.