7PM Hour is Most Dangerous Time to Drive in Connecticut, Data Shows

New research has revealed that the most dangerous time to drive in Connecticut is 7:00pm-7:59pm based on the number of fatal crashes.  That is somewhat later than the most dangerous time in the largest number of states - 6 p.m.-6:59 p.m. being the most dangerous in 12 states.

The study by legal funding experts Tribeca Lawsuit Loans studied the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to see which times of the day saw the most fatal crashes in each state between 2017 and 2021.

Connecticut was the only state in which 7:00pm – 7:59pm was the most dangerous hour.  In 10 states, 5:00pm – 5:59pm was most dangerous, the 8:00pm hour and 3:00 pm hour were each most dangerous in 6 states. 

In Connecticut, 106 of the 1338 fatal crashes recorded in the state between 2017 and 2021 occurred during the 7:00pm hour, which is a percentage of 7.92%, higher than any other time in the day.

Based on the US average, 6 pm to 6:59 pm is the most dangerous time to drive overall. Of the 177,409 fatal crashes between 2017 and 2021, 5.91% occurred at this time.

Commenting on the findings, Rory Donadio, CEO of Tribeca Lawsuit Loans, said: “With the primary theme of this data being that rush hour is arguably the most dangerous time to drive, it can be pointed out that half the hours of the day, like early hours of the morning, don’t even appear. However, this doesn’t mean these times aren’t dangerous in themselves, with fewer cars on the road still posing a serious crash risk with potentially less cautious drivers.”

Another new data analysis, also released this week, has identified the states where people are most likely to crash into a fixed object, with Maine topping the list, followed by two other New England states.  Connecticut ranked 16th. 

Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed motor vehicle crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to identify which states have a higher proportion of fatal accidents caused by crashing into a fixed object between 2017-2021.    

Maine was the state most affected by the issue, as out of a total of 485 fatal crashes, almost two-thirds (64.3%) involved a fixed object (312). Standing trees were the fixed object most involved in these deadly collisions, accounting for 145 of the incidents. In second place is Rhode Island, where 140 of 223 fatal crashes involved a fixed object, equivalent to 63.78%. The deadliest fixed object in the state was the curb, which accounted for 31 of the total collisions. 

Closely following next in third is Vermont, where out of a total of 196 fatal crashes, 123 involved a fixed object (63.76%). After standing trees, guardrails were found to be the deadliest fixed object in the state, involved in 20 of the fatal crashes. 

In Connecticut, just over half - 56.3% - of fatal crashes involved a fixed object. 

Commenting on the findings, a Anidjar & Levine spokesperson said: “It’s essential to recognize the states that have the highest fatality rates in motor vehicle crashes and, more specifically, fatal collisions which involve fixed objects, to identify areas which may require legislation to improve visibility or cautionary signs.  

“However, while the data highlights specific problem areas, it’s key that drivers in all states – not just those in the ranking - drive carefully and stay particularly wary around fixed objects, such as trees, curbs and utility poles. This is especially important when driving in busy periods or environments, like rush hour or in a packed parking lot.”