Every trip taken in a motor vehicle is risky, as drivers and passengers never know when they might experience some kind of freak accident or cross paths with someone who makes bad choices. The more often someone drives, the greater their overall risk of a crash.
Although someone’s crash risk increases when they travel more miles, frequent time at the wheel often leads to people feeling comfortable and assuming that they can drive safely without incident. Complacency can be a real concern, especially during someone’s daily commute.
Driving back and forth to work several days each week can consume hours of time and might potentially lead to a crash that changes someone’s life forever. Why is someone’s commute to work of particular concern for their overall safety?
They will be on the road at a dangerous time of day
The National Safety Council analyzes federal crash statistics to look for trends, and the organization claims that the most dangerous time to drive is after the sun sets. However, there is a second time of day that is also very, statistically speaking, and it is during the average afternoon commute.
Those on the road between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays are at significantly elevated risk of a crash when compared with those on the road at other times during the day.
They may be more susceptible to distraction
Drivers headed into work might put on their ties or makeup while in traffic. They might eat their breakfast or drink coffee on the way to the office.
Those on the way home after a long day at work may text with friends and family or check a last-minute email that comes in after they leave for the day. All those various forms of distraction can potentially lead to an increased risk of a collision.
Other drivers stopping off for drinks at the local happy hour in the afternoon is also a safety concern, as is fatigue during a morning commute. Every trip is a risk, especially when someone is on the road during very dangerous times of day or while engaged in other activities.
Learning more about the factors that increase someone’s overall car crash risk can help them make informed choices that may allow them to stay somewhat safer.
