The Most Dangerous Days and Times to Drive

According to the National Safety Council analysis of NHTSA crash data, the most dangerous times to drive are weekends and evenings. The deadliest driving days fall on a handful of holidays, when heavier travel and drinking are more common.

Saturday is the Deadliest Day of the Week to Drive

National Safety Council analysis of NHTSA data found fatal crashes peak on weekends, with Saturday being the highest day for deadly crashes. Nonfatal crashes run higher on weekdays and top out on Friday.

Evenings Are the Deadliest Time of Day to Drive

The 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. window is the most dangerous three-hour block for driving, accounting for about 17% of all traffic deaths. Roughly a third of fatalities happen between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., when the evening commute, fading daylight, and rising alcohol impairment overlap.

Deadliest Single Days

New Year's Day and the Fourth of July are the two deadliest days of the year to drive. On New Year's Day, alcohol-impaired fatal crashes run nearly 90% above normal. Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends follow close behind.