When do most car accidents happen?

How many car accidents happen per day?

On average in 2023, 16,822 motor vehicle crashes occurred every day across the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) report of 6.14 million police-reported crashes that year.

The deadliest car accident day in 2023 was Saturday, October 21, with 174 traffic deaths. The daily average for that year was 110 deaths, per the NSC.

What are the most common times for car accidents to occur?

The NSC analyzes and reports on the most recent NHTSA car accident data, and here's the breakdown:

What time of day do most crashes occur?

In the spring and summer, fatal crashes peak between 8 p.m. and midnight. From November through March, fatal crashes peak between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to the NSC.

What times of the year do fatal crashes occur most?

The NSC reports that the highest number of fatal traffic crashes occur in July, August, and October. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days because car crashes soar during the summer months, especially for teen drivers.

What environments have the most traffic crashes?

In cities, fatal car accidents happen most frequently on highways, while in rural areas, fatal car accidents happen most frequently on local roads. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that in 2023, car accident deaths in urban areas occurred more on interstates, freeways, and arterial roads (79%), while about 63% of traffic deaths in rural areas occurred on local and collector roads.

Where do most fatal car accidents occur?

In analyzing the number of traffic crash fatalities by state, IIHS reports the following from 2023:

The five states with the most fatal crashes:

• Texas: 4,291
• California: 4,061
• Florida: 3,396
• Georgia: 1,615
• North Carolina: 1,561

The five states with the fewest number of fatal car crashes:

• Alaska: 60
• Vermont: 69
• Rhode Island: 71
• Hawaii: 93
• North Dakota: 106

At what age do most car accidents happen?

IIHS notes that drivers who are 16 to 19 years old are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash than older drivers, according to data from the National Household Travel Survey. NHTSA reports that speeding was a factor in 34% of fatal crashes involving teen drivers 18 and younger in 2023.

What are the odds of being in a fatal car accident?

The NSC reports that the lifetime odds of dying in a motor vehicle crash are 1 in 95, but this is just an average. Your odds of being involved in a car crash greatly increase when you drive aggressively, exceed the speed limit, or spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel. Learning defensive driving skills can help you feel more confident behind the wheel, and it can make you a safer driver.

Tips for lowering your risk of a car crash

The most common causes of car crashes point to poor, reckless, or inexperienced driving. These tips can help keep you safe on the road and lower your risk of being in a car crash:

• Wear your seat belt and require your passengers to do the same
• Drive sober: Drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic crashes and fatalities
• Focus on the road: Distracted driving puts you and the vehicles around you in danger of a collision
• Obey the speed limit and other traffic laws
• Cultivate safe driving habits by taking a defensive driving course
• Follow driving etiquette rules

What to do if you're in a crash

If you ever find yourself involved in a crash, know what do following a car accident. You might also want to understand how a car accident will affect your car insurance.