Illinois roads seem like they are always busy, but if you commute to work each day, you know that some times are busier and more dangerous than others.
It is essential to be thoughtful and proactive about driving to minimize your risk of collision and injury on the road.
What are the most dangerous times to drive?
There is a strong correlation between car accidents and fatigue. A large percentage of crashes occur in pre-dawn hours (4 a.m.-6 a.m.) and late at night (12 a.m.-2 a.m.) when drivers are the most tired. There are also significantly more car wrecks during early evening rush hour (5 p.m.-7 p.m.) when tired drivers are in a hurry to get home. Further compounding this issue, these dangerous driving times mostly occur in darkness. According to the National Safety Council, 50% of traffic deaths transpire at night.
How can I minimize my risks on the road?
If you are able, avoid driving during the busiest times mentioned above. Regardless of when you drive, one main thing you can do to stay safe on Illinois’ busy roads is to remain vigilant. Not only will this help you keep others safe, but it will also help you protect yourself through defensive driving against other non-alert drivers. To accomplish this, try your best to get enough sleep each night and fill up on your favorite caffeinated beverage before hitting the road if you are feeling sleepy. Even if you are in a hurry to get home, remain patient to avoid a dangerous lapse in judgment and, as always, do not use your phone while driving.
Some times are clearly more dangerous to drive than others. Avoid the busy road times when you can and make sure to bring your patience with you.