Car wrecks aren’t random. Very rarely are they caused by simple whims of nature: generally the causes and time of day play a significant role in the level of danger and damage realized. Knowing the danger signs—along with when it’s best to leave or early or even just stay home—can mean the difference between minor dents or dings and serious injury or even death.

Time of day matter when it comes to avoiding an auto accident

It’s not an old wives’ tale that most auto accidents occur at dawn and dusk; the risk factors at play there are visibility and lighting. However, the bigger risk might be simply having more—or more impaired—drivers on the road at a given time. A great many crashes happen during commuter hours, when so much of the workforce is on the road at the same time, possibly still drowsy from waking up early or fatigued from a long day at work. In the same vein, late night driving carries its own dangers as that’s when drunk or overtired drivers tend to be on the road, potentially wreaking havoc. The safest time of day to drive? Between 4.am and 5 a.m., when the fewest other vehicles are out and about. But that might not be a reasonable errand time for most of us, so it’s also key to look at other conditions before departing.

Weather plays a role in your risk of a crash

Regardless of the time of day, driving during inclement weather is a dangerous proposition. In Nashville, we get every kind of risky driving condition from ice and snow to pouring rain and even tornadoes. The best way to stay safe is to stay home. While you may be an exceptional all-weather driver, and your vehicle may be in perfect condition with every precaution in place, you’re still placing yourself at risk by being in proximity to other drivers who may or may not have been as conscientious in their care.

If you’ve been in a car wreck due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical care, lost wages and future earnings, loss of consortium, and other damages. The knowledgeable Nashville auto accident attorneys at the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm can sit with you, explore your case, and fight for your rights to compensation. Call (615) 246-5549, visit our offices in Nashville, Gallatin, or Knoxville or contact us today for a free consultation.