Which Time of Year Has The Most Car Accidents?

Driving always has the potential to be dangerous, but some times of the year are more dangerous to drive than others. There are some periods that are noticeably more dangerous, but what time of the year is the most dangerous? Summer and winter both seem to have a leading-edge, but for different reasons.

Wintertime Dangers

Several holidays see a spike in car accidents in the winter, including New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. These days commonly see an increase in DUI accidents and fatalities, making them some of the deadliest individual days of the year. Additionally, the weather also makes winter roads especially dangerous. Snow, ice, and low visibility weather conditions often spell disaster for those who do not drive cautiously or take the necessary safety precautions.

Summertime Risks

The summer months also have their own holidays that increase dangerous drivers: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. These days can be especially bad for vacation or tourist areas that may see a lot of holiday celebrations. Although summer does not have many weather conditions to be wary of, they do have another risk that lasts for months: young drivers. With school being out, the summer roads see an increase in young drivers and in accidents to match. This phenomenon has been so prevalent that the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the “100 deadliest days of summer.”

So which time of the year is the worst?

There is not a clear “winner” of the most dangerous time of year to drive. While winter has more days of DUI spikes and dangerous roads, summer sees an increase in both general drivers and inexperienced drivers. The best way to stay safe while driving is to remember that any time of year can be dangerous and be aware of the unique risks you may presently face while driving.