Rush hour is a stressful time to be on the road. After a long day at work, people usually just want to get home as quickly as possible. However, they need to prioritize safety.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the afternoon rush hour is the second most dangerous time to drive. While nighttime is overall the most dangerous time to drive, the afternoon rush hour also sees more serious crashes than most other times of day. The five safety hazards briefly mentioned below are among the top reasons that the afternoon rush hour is so dangerous.
1. Speeding
Many people who have been at work for eight hours or longer just want to be home. They may feel compelled to exceed the posted speed limit. Speeding both increases the risk of a crash and also the severity of any collision that occurs.
2. Tailgating
Drivers who are in a rush don’t just drive faster than they should. They also tend to get closer to other vehicles than they should. Tailgating can lead to preventable rear-end crashes, as drivers may not be able to slow down or stop in time if they don’t leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead of them in traffic.
3. Distracted driving
People finishing up work for the day might need to respond to a few last-minute emails or text messages. They might also need to touch base with friends or family members to solidify their evening plans. Mobile phone use, conversations with passengers, radio sing-alongs and even a snack on the way home from work can all lead to distracted driving collisions.
4. Drunk driving
Happy hour specials can be very tempting for those who have had a long, stressful day at work. People who stop off for a happy hour drink may consume alcohol rapidly. They might get back on the road before they have had a chance to digest the alcohol they consumed. They may then struggle to drive safely, especially if it has been hours since they ate.
5. Driver fatigue
Many people experience a sudden drop in energy levels in the mid-afternoon. The length of time they have gone without eating, the lower light levels, especially during the cooler seasons and other factors can combine to leave drivers feeling quite drowsy. Drowsy drivers may fall asleep at the wheel. They could also cause crashes due to difficulty remaining focused or reaction time.
Those involved in the afternoon rush hour collisions may need help holding the right party accountable for their collision expenses, and that’s okay. Requesting compensation from the party at fault for a motor vehicle collision can help people repair their damaged vehicles and cover their medical expenses. Drivers who are aware of rush hour hazards can limit their risk and respond more effectively after a crash.