Have you ever wondered what the safest time is to to be on the road?

While we can’t control everything once we’re behind the wheel, timing your journey can make a real difference. Traffic levels, visibility, driver fatigue, and even the day of the week all play a part in how safe the roads are.

Recent research shared by Confused.com reveals when accidents are most – and least – likely to happen, highlighting the safest times to drive and when extra caution is needed.

They analysed government road accident data and compared it with the Department for Transport’s Traffic Flow Index which produces a Safety Index that shows how risky areas are by the hour. A clever bit of kit that could help identify rush hour risks and quieter windows, which could help you avoid trouble.

 

Some key facts on the safest time to drive

• Generally, the safest time to drive is after sunrise, when visibility is good and roads are getting steadily busier.
• The most dangerous time to drive is usually after midnight, when roads appear quieter, but factors such as tiredness and late night speeding can be factors.
• One of the most common causes of accidents on the road is ‘ineffective observation’ by drivers. This could be something like missing a vehicle pulling out of a junction, or not checking mirrors thoroughly.

Stay safe on the roads and happy driving!