Even when being extremely careful on the busy streets of Kansas City, car accidents happen. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has done the research to understand when the risk of accidents is even higher and found the most dangerous times for motorists to hit the roads. Not only are intoxicated drivers, distracted drivers, and speeders more prevalent, they found that weather and drowsy driving can also play a part in contributing to injury-causing accidents and deaths. Here are the times you should exercise additional caution or avoid the roads altogether.
Holidays Where Alcohol Is Commonly Consumed
Holidays, in general, can be dangerous times to drive because of the higher volume of vehicles traveling to see family and friends or headed out for celebrations. However, holidays, where drinking is commonly involved, mean more drivers exercise poor judgment and get behind the wheel drunk. Dangerous holidays often include:
- Independence Day
- New Year’s Eve and Day
- Labor Day
- Christmas
- Memorial Day
Rush Hour in the Afternoon
Most car crashes take place between 3 and 6 in the afternoon. More cars commuting home from work mean additional opportunities for accidents; with over 2.5 million residents in the 14 county Kansas City metro area that translates to a lot of vehicles on the road at once. Bumper to bumper gridlock, road rage, and the prevalence of distracted driving all contribute to rush hour is the most dangerous time to be on the road.
Midnight to 3 A.M.
This is the time most drunk driving fatalities occur – particularly on the weekends. If possible, avoid driving or exercise extreme caution to avoid drunk and drowsy drivers.
When It Begins Raining
Weather is a common cause of many car accidents. Busy roads can accumulate oil and grease during dry conditions; these come to the surface as rain begins. Until it rains long enough to wash away this buildup, roads are slippery. It also takes much longer to stop a vehicle.
Talk to a Kansas City, MO Car Accident Attorney
It’s impossible to avoid the inherent risk of accidents when driving. However, knowing when the risk is highest can help you make smart choices that can help protect you. If you have questions or were hurt in a collision, contact the Kansas City Car Accident Attorneys at Krause & Kinsman for help. Call us today at (816) 307-2352 or use our online contact page to schedule your free consultation. Let us answer your questions and fight for you to recover maximum compensation if you’ve been injured.
