Netizens praise the coastal city of Long Beach for its serene and beautiful landscape. Unfortunately, it is also infamous for its car pile-ups and car accident fatalities.
Ranked 30th among cities with the highest risk of automobile accidents, this California locality has witnessed some heart-chilling incidents. Negligent drivers and dangerous intersections have led to many of these. However, one factor usually ignored is the time when these accidents happen.
Recently conducted studies have identified the aspect of time as a minor factor in car accidents. The studies had some interesting findings.
Debunking The Myths
Roads are unsafe all the time. Whether it be frustrated or tired drivers, blaming accidents purely on them isn’t accurate. Statistics are proof of this.
It is a preconceived notion that most car accidents happen due to frustrated and impatient drivers. While not entirely wrong, one can refute this line of thinking too. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) analyzed the California accident statistics and found that the morning rush hour to get to work is safer than the evening rush hour when everyone is returning from their offices. Common sense would say that getting to work on time makes people more anxious and thus negligent by rushing to the workplace. However, the statistics debunk this idea.
Another incorrect belief is that accidents are more likely to happen on congested roads. Again, it isn’t entirely wrong to assume this, but it still can’t be taken as a fact. NHTSA statistics for accidents rate show that more fatalities are likely to occur in the midnight and 3 AM period than during the morning and evening rush hours.
You might also believe that the winters of January and February are more deadly than the warm seasons of August and July. However, it is wrong to assume so. Though winters have more extreme weather, it is only during the summers that roads get congested with vehicles hurrying to go on outings with families. Summers also have high temperatures, especially here in Los Angeles County. This humid and hot weather is guaranteed to make you lose your calm and get irritated by the never-ending traffic on the road.
When Do Most Collisions Happen?
A collision doesn’t happen randomly; an accident is the result of a combination of factors.
Besides the apparent negligence of the driver, some factors building up to it are:
- The time of the hour
- Stress and fatigue level
- Presence of stimulants in the driver
Learn more to stay protected.
NHTSA’s research co-related the other two factors with the hour of the day in which the accident occurred.
The first slot was the morning rush hour, typically between 7 AM and 10 AM.
Drivers in the morning are seemingly fresh and more vigilant, which reduces the chances of accidents. They are level-headed and cautious even after being stressed to reach work before the log-in time. As mentioned above, the rate of accidents during this period is relatively low in California, with approximately 3,345 fatalities.
However, there is a shift in the second slot- the afternoon rush hour.
The 4 PM to 7 PM slot has the highest rate of accidents and fatalities at approximately 6,201. These statistics have been linked to drivers’ fatigue and impatience to get home after a long day at work. Evidence of this can be found in the next two time slots- 7 PM to 10 PM and 10 PM onwards to 1 AM. The fatalities on the road reduced from 6,201 to 6,067 by 10 PM, and, finally, to 4,829 by 1 AM.
The fifth time slot between 1 AM to 4 AM had approximately 4,019 fatalities, which is still considerably high, considering that there were statistically fewer vehicles on the road during this time.
The reason for the fatalities between 10 PM to 4 AM is attributed to ‘party heads’ and visibility issues. During this period, California nightlife is at its peak. DUI and drunk driving cases are the highest in these slots. Additionally, the visibility at night is less too. Drivers may turn on their high beams at night. However, it backfires when the bright light beams directly into the eyes of the other driver, making them lose visibility briefly. This has led to many accidents too.
The evidence linking accidents in these slots to unfocused and drivers under the influence is the sixth time slot, 4 AM to 7 AM, when the fatalities reduce suddenly to approximately 3,520 deaths.
The Most Dangerous Time In Long Beach
The above research results and statistics show that night-time (10 PM-4 AM) is the worst time to be on the road.
Even though accident rates and fatalities in the afternoon are highest, it can be attributed to factors like congestion on the road and frustration from waiting at red traffic signals. However, it is concerning that despite having comparatively open roads, the number of fatalities is so high at night. On weekends, when more people party in clubs, the alcohol in their systems raises the danger level of encountering a road-raging and reckless driver even more.
Therefore, look out for danger whenever on the road at night and stay vigilant. Ensure that you leave space between you and other vehicles on the road. Remove a lane to protect yourself from their path when encountering a reckless driver. Also, take stops when travelingfor long periods. Lastly, don’t be negligent; avoid driving when tired or drunk.
Remember, at the end of the day, your safety is in your hands.