Driving At Night: Insurance Risks

Driving can be dangerous, and the time of day can significantly impact safety. Rush hour, for example, is considered one of the most hazardous times to be on the road due to increased traffic, congestion, and driver impatience, leading to more collisions. Similarly, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are associated with higher accident rates due to congested roads and alcohol consumption. Driving at night is also riskier, with impaired driving and reduced visibility contributing to a higher rate of fatal accidents. These factors are considered by insurance companies when assessing rates, as the likelihood of claims increases during these times.

Rush hour

The evening commute, in particular, is a time when accidents are more frequent. Weeknights between 3 pm and 6 pm are the most dangerous time to be on the roads. Even with many people still working remotely post-pandemic, this period still sees more drivers, more congestion, and more collisions.

The dangers of rush hour are not limited to the evening, however. Morning commutes also present challenges, with congestion and traffic jams that can test even the most experienced driver's patience. It is important to remember that impatience can undermine even the best driving skills.

• Always allow for extra travel time. No matter where you are headed, budgeting extra time can help you arrive at your destination safely.
• Be vigilant when merging or changing lanes. Be aware of your car's blind spots and use your signals.
• Go with the flow of traffic. Maintain a similar speed to the cars around you, but be sure to leave enough room to react by not following too closely.
• Stay calm and be courteous. Take deep breaths and do not allow yourself to be angered by the traffic situation. Remember that other drivers are humans just like you.
• Use traffic apps or GPS devices to inform you of congestion or incidents that may delay your commute. Knowing the conditions ahead of time will allow you to plan an alternate route if needed.

By following these tips and staying alert and aware, you can help ensure that you make it through rush hour safely.

Holidays

There are several reasons why driving during the holidays is so dangerous. Firstly, there are simply more people on the road. With more drivers, the chances of crashes increase. Many people are travelling to visit family and friends, and some roads become particularly congested. For example, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for car travel, and it is the second deadliest holiday for drivers.

Alcohol is also a major factor in holiday car accidents. People are more likely to drink at holiday parties and then drive home. Drunk driving is the cause of many holiday accidents, and fatalities from alcohol-impaired driving were up 11% from the national average in 2020 over Memorial Day Weekend.

Other factors that contribute to the high number of accidents during the holidays include poor weather conditions, distracted driving, and driver fatigue.

Some holidays are more dangerous than others. In addition to Christmas and Thanksgiving, some of the deadliest holidays for driving in the US include Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Easter, and Halloween.

To stay safe while driving during the holidays, it is important to never drink and drive, avoid travelling during peak times, and ensure your vehicle is well-maintained. It is also a good idea to get adequate insurance coverage and consider alternative modes of transportation, such as flying or taking public transportation.

Night-time

There are several factors that contribute to the increased dangers of driving at night. One of the main factors is impaired driving due to alcohol consumption. According to the NHTSA, 55% of all fatal accidents during night-time involve alcohol-impaired drivers. This is further exacerbated by reduced visibility, as even modern headlight designs cannot replicate the clarity of daylight. Night-time driving also poses challenges such as decreased depth perception and peripheral vision, making it easier to miss important details on the road.

To stay safe while driving at night, it is important to take certain precautions. Adjust your car's interior lighting to a level that doesn't affect your vision, and avoid using any other lights inside your car to prevent glare on the windshield. When driving, look towards the right side of the road and watch the traffic lines rather than oncoming headlights. Be considerate when using your high beams, as they can reduce other drivers' visibility. Keep your car's windows and headlights clean, as haze or fog can further reduce visibility.

It is also crucial to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead of you. While a two-second cushion may be sufficient during the day, it is recommended to increase this to a minimum of five seconds at night to allow for more reaction time. Regularly cleaning your headlights, taillights, and signal lights will ensure that other drivers can see you clearly. Finally, be mindful of your speed, as it is more difficult to stop or react to a situation when driving at high speeds in low-visibility conditions.

Bad weather

Driving in bad weather can be extremely dangerous and it is recommended that you avoid it if possible. However, if you must travel in severe weather, there are several precautions you can take to stay safe. Here are some essential safety tips for driving in bad weather conditions:

Heavy Rain

Driving through heavy rain can be challenging. If your journey is not essential, consider delaying until the rain eases off. If you must drive in the rain, remember that stopping distances increase on wet roads, so leave a gap of at least 4 seconds between you and the car in front. Be cautious of cars around you, especially if they make sudden turns, as you could be sprayed with water, reducing your visibility. Turn on your dipped headlights to improve visibility for yourself and other drivers. Remember to use your air conditioning if your windscreen is misting.

Floods

It is generally not recommended to drive if there are flood warnings. Keep an eye on local forecasts to stay informed about predicted weather patterns. Avoid driving through high water, as this can be extremely dangerous and put other motorists at risk. Just two feet of water could sweep away most trucks and SUVs. If your car is submerged in a flood, do not attempt to start the engine. If you absolutely must drive through a flooded area, keep your car in first gear and drive as slowly as possible.

High Winds

High winds can be very unpredictable and dangerous for driving. If you find yourself driving in high winds, exercise extreme caution, especially on open roads with little coverage. Keep a close eye on the road and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. Leave plenty of space between yourself and the driver in front of you.

Fog

Fog can significantly reduce visibility, making it difficult to see brake lights or traffic signs until you are very close. Avoid using your high-beam headlights in foggy conditions, as this will only reduce your visibility further. Instead, use your front and rear fog lights to help other motorists see you. Drive slowly to lower the risk of accidents.

Snow and Ice

Check the forecasts regularly during cold periods. If snow or ice is predicted, prepare your driveway in advance by spreading grit or cat litter to ensure you can get in and out of your home safely. Always keep an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, extra layers, a torch, food, water, and a spade, which can be invaluable if you get stranded. Keep your car prepared for snowy and icy conditions by stocking up on a shovel, an ice-scraper, a snow brush, a demisting pad, spare screen wash, plenty of de-icer, a phone charger, a map, and a bag of sand, salt, or cat litter for traction if you get stuck. Ensure your tyres are properly inflated and meet the minimum legal tread depth requirements. Consider purchasing specialised winter tyres if you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall. When driving in snow or ice, remember that it can take up to 10 times longer to stop, so allow plenty of space between vehicles. Drive slowly and carefully, even if there is no visible snow or ice, as there may be black ice on the road.

Driving under the influence

The time of day is a significant factor in insurance rates, as certain times are considered more dangerous to drive than others. Insurance companies determine rates based on a driver's risk profile, and driving under the influence will always result in higher insurance rates. The Insurance Information Institute found that more crashes happen during rush hour when more drivers are on the road, increasing the likelihood of insurance claims. Similarly, holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, when people are more likely to drink and drive, are considered high-risk periods.

Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Insurance companies view lapses in coverage as risky behaviour, assuming that the driver is more likely to get into an accident. Therefore, it is essential to maintain continuous coverage and be aware of the increased dangers and insurance implications of driving under the influence.

To stay safe on the road and avoid the dangers associated with driving under the influence, it is crucial to follow these safety tips:

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that impairs your judgement and reflexes.
• Plan ahead and arrange alternative transportation if you know you will be consuming alcohol.
• Be aware of the increased risk during evening commutes, rush hours, and holidays, and consider avoiding driving at these times if possible.
• Always buckle up, put away distractions, obey speed limits, and be a courteous driver.
• Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, with clean windows and functioning lights, to improve visibility and safety.
• Get adequate rest before driving and take breaks to avoid fatigue, which can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
• Utilise apps and GPS devices to stay informed about traffic conditions and plan your route accordingly.

By following these safety guidelines and being mindful of the increased risks associated with driving under the influence, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.

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