When Is the Most Dangerous Time to Drive in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s traffic is notoriously bad, and with heavy traffic comes an increased risk of accidents. But what is the most dangerous time to drive on Atlanta roads? Whether it’s rush hour congestion, the chaos of holidays, or when driving at night, certain times are riskier than others. Being aware of these high-risk periods can help you avoid potential accidents and make your driving experience safer.

The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. want you to have all the information you need to stay safe. Understanding when accidents are most likely to happen can make a big difference in how you navigate Atlanta’s busy streets. You’ll find crucial info on the most dangerous times to drive in Atlanta below.

When Do Most Atlanta Car Accidents Occur?

Georgia’s public crash data portal makes it hard to look at time patterns for car accidents. However, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can provide clues as to when most crashes occur. According to the NHTSA, the most common times for all crashes nationwide in one recent year were:

• 3 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. – 1,442,698 crashes
• 12 p.m. to 2:59 p.m. – 1,172,26 crashes
• 6 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. – 928,383 crashes
• 9 a.m. to 11:59 a.m. – 779,482 crashes

For crashes involving injuries, the most common times were:

• 3 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. – 403,848 crashes
• 12 p.m. to 2:59 p.m. – 330,273 crashes
• 6 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. – 272,571 crashes
• 9 a.m. to 11:59 a.m. – 222,555 crashes

Finally, the most common times for fatal crashes were:

• 6 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. – 6,986 crashes
• 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. – 6,300 crashes
• 3 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. – 6,016 crashes
• 12 p.m. to 2:59 p.m. – 4,803 crashes

While these are nationwide figures, it’s safe to assume these trends broadly apply to collisions in Atlanta.

What the Most Common Crash Times Tell Us

The NHTSA data on crash times reveals some important trends about when and why accidents are most likely to happen. Overall, most crashes occur during the late afternoon and early evening, particularly between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. This period coincides with rush hour, when many people drive home from work or school. The roads are often crowded during this period, and drivers are often tired or distracted, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Another peak period for crashes is between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. This period includes lunchtime, when people may be in a hurry to return to work after running midday errands. Additionally, the midday sun can create glare, making it harder for drivers to see clearly, which can contribute to accidents.

The trends are similar for injury-related crashes, with the highest number of incidents occurring during the late afternoon and early evening. This suggests that the increased traffic volume during these hours leads to more accidents and more severe injuries.

Fatal crashes tend to peak between 6 p.m. and midnight. Visibility decreases during these hours, making it harder for drivers to see and avoid potential hazards. Furthermore, drivers may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding or driving under the influence at night. The combination of poor visibility and potentially impaired driving makes these hours particularly dangerous.

How To Stay Safe During High-Risk Driving Times in Atlanta

Driving when accidents most commonly occur in Atlanta can be stressful, but you can take steps to stay safe. Those steps include:

• Plan Ahead: Avoid driving during peak hours if possible. If you must drive, give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
• Stay Focused: Minimize distractions (like talking on the phone or texting), and keep your eyes on the road. Stay alert to changing traffic conditions.
• Follow the Speed Limit: Speeding increases your risk of an accident. Stick to the speed limit, especially during heavy traffic or poor weather.
• Use Defensive Driving Techniques: Be aware of other drivers and anticipate their actions. Maintain a safe following distance and avoid aggressive driving.
• Avoid Driving When Tired: Fatigue can impair your reaction time. If you’re feeling drowsy, consider pulling over or delaying your trip.

Injured in an Atlanta Car Accident? We Can Help

No matter how careful you are when driving in Atlanta, you can’t control what other drivers do. If another driver caused a crash and you sustained injuries, Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. can help you seek fair compensation. You don’t owe us any fees unless you win, and we’ll handle all the legal work in your case. Call (770) 205-8827 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.