May 6, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents don’t happen at random. Certain times of the day, days of the week, and times of the year consistently see higher crash rates. Car accident lawyers often recommend understanding when accidents are most likely to occur, which can help drivers take extra precautions and reduce their risk on the road.
Rush Hour: Early Morning and Late Afternoon
One of the most dangerous times to drive is during rush hour, which typically spans from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. These periods involve high volumes of traffic, drivers in a hurry, and frequent stop-and-go conditions.
Accidents are common during these hours because of the following factors:
- Increased congestion leads to rear-end collisions
- Driver impatience contributes to speeding and aggressive behavior
- Distractions like phones or multitasking are more likely
Drivers should plan ahead to avoid peak traffic when possible or allow extra time for their commute to reduce stress and risk.
Midday Hours: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Although rush hour sees the most traffic, midday is another high-risk window for accidents. Between noon and 2 p.m., drivers are often heading to lunch, running errands, or making work-related trips. The combination of distractions and fatigue can contribute to collisions.
Common issues during this time include:
- Eating while driving or using a phone leads to reduced focus
- Some individuals may consume alcohol or medications during lunch breaks
- Drivers may be less alert after a full morning of activity
Awareness of these midday risks can help drivers remain cautious, even during seemingly routine outings.
Friday and Saturday Nights
Weekend evenings are especially dangerous for drivers, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. Social events, parties, and late-night outings increase the number of impaired and distracted drivers on the road.
These nights often involve:
- More alcohol-related crashes due to increased social drinking
- Higher traffic near bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues
- Impaired judgment and slower reaction times from tired or intoxicated drivers
Planning safe transportation or avoiding late-night driving on weekends can help minimize your risk.
Sunday Evenings
Sunday might feel like a quiet day, but the evening hours can be surprisingly hazardous. Many people are returning home from weekend trips or gatherings, leading to fatigue and increased traffic.
Contributing factors to Sunday evening crashes include:
- Driver exhaustion after a long weekend of activity
- Heavier traffic on highways and interstates
- Increased chances of distracted or rushed driving
Driving earlier in the day or taking breaks during long trips can reduce the risk of an end-of-weekend accident.
Holidays and Travel Seasons
Holiday weekends are notorious for elevated accident rates. Travel spikes during these periods lead to congested highways and fatigued drivers. Two of the most dangerous holidays for drivers are Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Contributing risks include:
- More drivers on the road, especially on interstates and major routes
- Increased alcohol consumption at family gatherings and parties
- Long-distance driving leads to fatigue and loss of focus
Similarly, spring break is another period when traffic increases, especially in tourist-heavy areas like St. Petersburg. Out-of-town drivers, unfamiliar roads, and party culture contribute to elevated accident risks.
Understanding Florida’s Car Accident Laws
If an accident does occur, knowing the legal landscape in Florida is critical. The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is two years. This means you must file your claim within two years of the accident or risk losing your right to compensation.
Florida also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means if you are found more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. If you are less than 51% at fault, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
In addition, Florida is a no-fault state. This means drivers must first file a claim with their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance before seeking compensation from the other driver.
Stay Safe When Driving in Florida
Car accidents can happen at any time, but certain hours, days, and seasons carry more risk. By being aware of these patterns, you can drive more cautiously when the roads are most dangerous. Whether you’re commuting to work, driving on a holiday weekend, or simply running errands on a rainy day, awareness and preparation are key to staying safe.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 404-3858
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
