Available 24/7
Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the trend of deadly car accidents in America was on the decline, recently, these fatal crashes have increased. Research conducted by the NHTSA has found the safest and most dangerous days and times for those driving on America’s roads. Below is a general summary of these findings, which hopefully can help keep you and your loved ones safe on Pensacola’s roads and highways.
Safest and Most Dangerous Days
The NHTSA reports the safest day to be driving on America’s roads is Tuesdays, while the most dangerous is Saturday. The second and third most dangerous days to be on America’s roads are Friday and Sunday, according to research. When it comes to the time of day, the NHTSA data revealed most car accidents happen during “rush hour” – or between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – when most Americans are leaving work. This time of day seems to be the one where drivers are most distracted and when the streets have the highest volume of cars on the road.
Likewise, the NHTSA has found that Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week for drivers in the United States. One reason is that there are more vehicles on the roads. Another reason is that there are more drunk drivers on the road than any other day. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that more than 30 percent of fatal car accidents resulting from drunk driving happen over the weekend. Moreover, most drivers who are behind the wheel while under the influence are driving between the hours of midnight and 3:00 a.m. The likelihood of a fatal car accident is four times higher at night than it is during the day.
In the state of Florida, the safest day to be on the road is Monday, while the most dangerous is Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Safe Driving Tips in Pensacola
Even with all the technological advances that have been installed on vehicles over the years, such as rear view cameras, automatic emergency brakes, advanced airbags, and lane departure warning systems, there are steps you can take to stay safe on Pensacola’s roads. These include:
- Checking visibility before changing lanes or pulling out onto the road;
- Always wearing your seatbelt and making sure your passengers do as well;
- Allowing enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you;
- Braking smoothly and completely to avoid crashes;
- Not driving above the posted speed limit;
- Not driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Getting rid of all distractions while you are behind the wheel;
- Keeping road rage at bay – it is not worth the danger or risk; and
- Driving defensively to avoid accidents and predict other drivers’ behaviors.
Car Accident Help in Pensacola
If you have been in a Pensacola car accident, it is critical that you do not make any decisions in haste. Instead, after seeking medical attention for your injuries, contact a knowledgeable Pensacola personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and obligations under the law. Accidents can be stressful. The skilled Florida attorneys at Stevenson Klotz will fight to obtain the monetary compensation and justice you deserve.