According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, one of the days of the year that typically has the most fatalities due to vehicle accidents is the 4th of July. There are several days throughout the year when more than the usual number of accidents occur. While it's always important to drive sober and without distraction, knowing the times of the year when you'll want to be more cautious can help you avoid an accident. Here's some good information that every driver should be aware of.

1. High School Proms and Graduations

Unsurprisingly, when you combine young and inexperienced drivers with events that tend to include alcohol, the number of auto accidents increases. Even if they're not drinking, there's still an increased number of inexperienced drivers on the road who are likely driving with a group of friends, which is distracting for even the best of drivers. If you're a parent of teenagers, you might want to provide them with alternative transportation options during these times of the year. A collision during graduation weekend or on prom night is how a fun night becomes a tragedy.

Be sure to let the young drivers in your life know to be extra cautious. Sharing defensive driving tips is another way to help inexperienced drivers protect themselves when they're more likely to get into an accident.

2. Memorial Day Weekend

As the official start of summer, Memorial Day Weekend is often chock-full of barbecues, beach parties, and get-togethers. It's also a time when a lot of impaired drivers are on the road. If you want to avoid a collision, try to get home before dark and avoid areas where there are a lot of parties or bars.

If you plan on hitting a few picnics or clam bakes, remember to drive sober. A DUI isn't worth the time, expense, and criminal record. You'll want to be sure to stay sober or enlist a designated driver. Don't take any risks during this weekend as law enforcement typically sets up plenty of sobriety checkpoints to curtail drunk driving.

3. July 4th

Just like Memorial Day Weekend, the 4th of July is another exciting time for celebration. In addition to the risk of encountering an impaired driver, is the distraction of fireworks. Many amateurs like to set off their own fireworks, which can add to the danger. If you and your family have plans for a day at the beach or otherwise spending time outdoors and away from home, it's a smart idea to return home before dark. This can help you avoid a collision caused by distracted or impaired drivers. Celebrating the birth of our nation is important for many people, but remember to play safe when you're out on the road.

4. The Month of August

Did you know that the highest number of deaths caused by accidents occur in August? According to Bankrate, August had the most crash fatalities, as it accounted for 285 out of 2,738 total in 2020. This is a trend we've seen for many years because August is a month when summer is going strong and there are a lot of people out on the road. This includes travelers who may be lost or fatigued, as well as high school students who are out enjoying their summer break. There could also be a lot of impaired driving during this month too. Try to avoid driving at night whenever possible to avoid the risk that comes with driving during this busy summer month.

If you're going to be driving a lot during August, be sure to stay focused on the road and avoid distractions. Whenever you're taking a long road trip, be sure to stop often for breaks and pull over if you become fatigued. It's important to remain focused and alert, so you can arrive at your destination safely.

5. Time Changes

The day after Daylight Savings Time begins or ends are two days when there are a lot of traffic accidents. The effect of the lost or gained hour can be more significant than what many people think. There is also a higher incidence of heart attacks and other health problems on these days. If you have to drive the day after we change our clocks, it's a smart idea to allow yourself a little extra time. Waiting until after rush hour can help you to decrease the risk of a collision.

In the days following a time change, it's smart to take it easy. You'll want to sleep a bit longer the following few days in order to help your body acclimate to the change. You might be surprised by how tired and sleepy you are, especially when the clocks move forward. By taking it easy for a few days, you'll be back in shape in no time.

6. Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving Weekend is the unofficial start to the holiday season for many people. In many parts of the country, this holiday weekend is made more dangerous by weather conditions. Snow, ice, and sleet are common at the end of November, and can create unsafe driving conditions. This is also one of the most heavily traveled weekends of the year, so the chance of a collision is significantly increased.

If you and your family are traveling by car during this time of the year, be sure to take things slowly. Plan enough time to reach your destination to make sure that you're not rushed. Inclement weather is also likely during this time of year, so factor that into your planning, too.

Flexibility is also important. Bad weather or other unsafe driving conditions can cause your plans to change. It's a good idea to err on the side of caution during this weekend to avoid a collision. The Wednesday and Monday before and after Thanksgiving are two days when it's best to be off the road whenever possible. If you have to travel on these days, be sure to remain on high alert. Also, due to the possibility of bad weather, be sure to have an emergency kit in your car at all times.

7. New Year's Eve

Yes, no list of dangerous times of the year for driving would be complete without mentioning New Year's Eve. This is one of the most dangerous nights on the road. It's also typically when there's one of the heaviest law enforcement presence. Many people opt to stay home on New Year's Eve to avoid crowds and impaired drivers. Staying home is always an option!

Gathering at the nearby home of friends or family is the next best option after staying home. The shorter the distance you have to travel, the better. Staying off the road is your best bet, but if that's not possible, don't travel too far. Overnight stays can also be effective as a way to avoid late-night road travel. Having a designated driver is a given, but even they may have trouble driving without distraction.

Every day that you're out on the road, there's a risk of an accident. The more aware you are of the times of the year that are the most dangerous, the better. While you may not be able to avoid driving at these times, you can be more vigilant. Defensive driving can help you stay safe and avoid unsafe drivers.

If you've been involved in a collision, give City Side Auto Body a call. We can have your vehicle back on the road in no time.