Holidays and weekend nights

Impaired driving surges around holidays and on Friday and Saturday nights between roughly 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The combination of alcohol, fatigue, and heavier traffic makes these among the deadliest hours on the road. If you can, avoid driving late on holiday weekends—or use a rideshare.

Rush hour and the first rain

Rush-hour congestion produces frequent rear-end and lane-change collisions. And the first rain after a dry period lifts oil and grime to the surface, making roads unusually slick—crash rates rise sharply until the rain washes the road clean. Slow down and increase following distance in the first hour of rainfall.

How to lower your risk

Build in extra time so you are not rushing, avoid driving drowsy or after drinking, increase following distance in poor conditions, and stay off your phone. Most serious crashes involve a preventable behavior—speed, impairment, distraction, or fatigue.

Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most dangerous time to drive?

Weekend late nights (roughly 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.) and major holidays like July 4th and Labor Day, when impaired driving peaks, are among the most dangerous times on the road.

Why is the first rain so dangerous?

After a dry spell, the first rain lifts accumulated oil and grime to the road surface, making it unusually slick. Crash rates rise until the rain washes the road clean, so slow down and increase following distance.

How can I reduce my crash risk?

Avoid driving drowsy or impaired, don’t rush, put the phone away, and increase following distance in rain and heavy traffic. Most serious crashes involve a preventable behavior.