The safest time to drive is after sunrise, when visibility improves and roads get steadily busier without a spike in collisions.
The riskiest hours of the week happen after midnight, when roads appear quiet but collision rates are higher relative to traffic:
Darkness, fatigue and higher late-night speeds all add to the danger during these hours.
How safe it is to drive can change depending on the time of day and what’s happening around you. Here’s what can impact road safety:
Time of day - Driving at night usually means reduced visibility, tired drivers and a higher risk of serious crashes - especially after the clocks go back.
Rush hour - Weekday afternoons, especially 5pm–6pm, are usually when roads are busiest and are peak times for accidents.
Weather - Rain, fog, wind and ice affect how you drive and how well you can see. Even low sun in the winter can be a hazard.
Visibility - Poor lighting, headlight glare and dirty windscreens can all slow down your reaction time.
Fatigue - Tiredness behind the wheel is dangerous. Road safety charity, Brake, says 10–20% of all crashes are estimated to be caused by driver fatigue.
Seasonality - Busy times like Christmas, school runs and bank holiday getaways often mean heavier traffic and more risk.
Drivers not looking properly is one of the leading causes of accidents.
According to government data, 'ineffective observation', like missing a car at a junction or not checking mirrors, was reported in over 50% of collisions where police assigned a cause.
Other common causes that show up time and time again in police collision reports include:
Even the best drivers slip into bad habits. These tips can help you stay safe on the road.
Staying aware of different road users can help you avoid accidents, especially when the roads are busy.
The official Highway Code reminds drivers to take extra care around vulnerable road users like children, cyclists and older pedestrians. During the day, watch for schoolchildren and parents near drop-off zones.
Be extra cautious around cyclists and motorcyclists, especially when turning as blind spots can catch you out.
Also stay alert to bin crews and delivery drivers working close to or on the road. In the evening, dog walkers and pedestrians can step out from behind cars or buses with little warning, particularly in dimmer light.
"Quiet roads can give a false sense of safety. Our analysis shows the highest risk per vehicle happens after midnight, when visibility drops and fatigue sets in. Understanding when collisions are more likely helps drivers make safer choices - and avoiding those high-risk hours can reduce the chances of an accident that could affect car insurance costs.”
Knowing your car’s theft risk could save you a lot of hassle. Use our car theft calculator to see how likely it is to get stolen.
Our drug driving calculator is an easy way to find out the legal limits for driving after taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medications.
If you've witnessed an incident on the road, you can use our tool to submit your footage to Operation Snap and report dangerous driving.
Use our calculator to get a rough estimate of whether it’s unsafe for you to drive the morning after drinking.
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