Whether heading to work or driving to happy hour downtown, arriving safely at your destination is always the priority. Car accidents are not always avoidable, but with caution and following traffic rules, you can lower the chances of being involved.
Certain times of day and specific situations make driving more dangerous. Knowing what these times and situations are can help you. Though you cannot always avoid needing to drive during these circumstances, being aware of them is helpful so you can increase your alertness and awareness of your surroundings.
Traffic
High-traffic times vary but are usually connected to when people commute to and from work. There is also high traffic during large-scale events, such as popular sports games or concerts. Being mindful of when most people are commuting to and from work and watching for local events can help you avoid driving during those times.
Inclement weather conditions
When people discuss weather conditions as a risk factor for car accidents, they usually think of snow and ice. However, other weather conditions, for example, fog or wind, can make it difficult for drivers to see or control their vehicles. It is critical to consider these weather conditions in addition to the usual ones to help prevent accidents.
Time of day: dusk to daylight
Low-light times are considered the most dangerous hours for driving. If you must drive during these hours, ensure you are prepared. Consider your sleep, your level of drowsiness, any medications you are on, possible obstructions on the road such as construction sites, and anything else that could limit your visibility, slow down your reaction time or increase your risk of getting into an accident.
While it is impossible to prevent all accidents, and there is always a risk of being in a car accident if you are a driver, passenger or pedestrian on the road, you can do things to be safer and decrease your risks.