Worcester Crash Data: When Do the Most Accidents Occur? (Part 3 of 4)
With nearly 5,000 car crashes in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2013, understanding when accidents are most likely to occur can be important to helping protect yourself from serious injuries. While many collisions are unavoidable, by being aware of heightened risks, you can take measures to reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
This article is Part 3 of our Four-Part Series on Worcester Crash Data. Here, we focus on the time of year and time of day that most accidents occur.
The Most Dangerous Time of Year for Car Collisions
Data from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) shows that the Winter months see the highest numbers of auto accidents in Worcester. In 2013, January, November, and December had the three highest crash totals out of all months of the year. Although not part of MassDOT’s data, it seems likely that this increase in accidents is related to the snowy and icy weather we experience during these months, and possibly the shortened number of daylight hours during those months.
From March through June, the number of accidents was virtually consistent, ranging from a low of 381 in May to a high of 385 in June. The number of accidents in July then dropped to 366 before steadily climbing to the high of 514 accidents in December.
The Most Dangerous Time of Day for Car Collisions
MassDOT’s data shows that there are three peak times of day when Worcester residents are most likely to be involved in vehicle collisions. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they are:
- Morning rush hour
- Lunchtime
- Evening rush hour
While many people think that nighttime is the most dangerous time for vehicle collisions, the hours from 8:00pm to 6:00am actually saw the lowest accident totals of any hours during the day in 2013.
In 2013, accident rates rose to a peak of 295 during the 7:00 am an hour, and then gradually dropped off before rising to another peak of 375 accidents from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Accident totals then stayed at 330 or above until 5:00pm – reaching the highest peak of 378 from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. The 5:00pm hour saw 261 accidents, and then the numbers start to drop precipitously through the evening and into the night.
The period from 2:00am to 5:00am was the safest time to drive, with a total of just 131 accidents occurring during this three-hour window.
What Does this Mean for You?
Since staying off the roads during rush hour and throughout the entirety of the Winter months isn’t an option for most people, what does this data mean for you? In short, you now know when to be extra vigilant. Of course, drivers need to follow safe driving practices at all times (this includes things like obeying speed limits, not tailgating, and avoiding distractions behind the wheel). But, by knowing when other drivers are more likely to hit you, you can be on heightened alert for warning signs of a potential collision.
Although, as we mentioned above, in some situations there simply is nothing you can do to avoid being hit by a negligent driver. When this happens, attorney Peter Ventura can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Read the Rest of Our Four-Part Series on Worcester Crash Data
For more statistics and information on common causes of car accidents in Worcester, you can read the rest of our Four-Part Series:
- Worcester Car Crash Data: Dangerous Intersections and Road Conditions (Part 1 of 4)
- Worcester Car Crash Data: Most Dangerous Vehicles and Crash Severity (Part 2 of 4)
- The Most Common Collisions (Part 4 of 4)
- 2013 Crash Report for Worcester, MA (illustrated)
Contact Peter Ventura, Worcester Auto Accident Lawyer
A native of Worcester, Peter Ventura has been helping Massachusetts injury victims fight for just compensation since 1985. If you have been injured in a car crash, contact Peter today for a free consultation.
