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Hazards and dangerous driving times during the holidays

On Behalf of | Dec 8, 2021 | Car Accidents |

The winter holiday season may bring dangerous driving situations in addition to hazardous ice and snow. Knowing when to stay off Connecticut’s roads may help to plan routes that reduce the chances of car accidents.

As reported by the Connecticut Post, the riskiest time to travel on I-95 is on Fridays during rush hour. According to UConn’s Crash Data Repository, 17% of car accidents between 2015 and 2019 occurred on a Friday.

Data reveals most frequent accident times

Safe holiday driving plans may involve arriving at destinations before Friday afternoon. UConn’s data noted nearly 27% of the Friday accidents occurred from 3 to 5 p.m.

Traffic patterns, however, tend to lessen after rush hour, but the risk of a severe accident increases after midnight. Reportedly, the worst time to travel is on Saturdays at 2 a.m. At least 41% of Connecticut’s recorded accidents took place around 2 a.m. on a Saturday.

The holidays increase crash risks

According to the National Safety Council, serious or fatal crashes take place mostly during the winter holidays. About one-third of fatalities involve alcohol. A reliably sober designated driver may make a big difference in reducing accident risks after a holiday party. Individuals should also take advantage of ride share services to ensure they get home safely and not risk getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Distracted driving also contributes to collisions. Turning off cell phones, tablets or portable electronic devices lessens the chance of an accident. The NSC notes that motorists engaged in hands-free cell phone conversations cannot maintain their focus on driving.

Inclement weather conditions require preparing vehicles for demanding road conditions. Tires, batteries and wiper blades may need replacing. Checking tires regularly for pressure and tread wear may reduce the risk of skidding. Driving slowly and at least 10 seconds behind other cars may also lessen the chance of a crash.

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