When Do Most Car Accidents Occur?

According to data gathered from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database (NCDB), there were 1,931 motor vehicle fatalities in 2022, marking a 6.0% increase in deaths from 2021. This rise in the number of fatalities, serious injuries and fatal collisions highlights the growing concern around road safety. At Grillo Law, we are committed to raising awareness about the risks and helping you stay safe on the road. By recognizing the most dangerous times to drive, you can take precautions to reduce your risk of an accident.

Time of Year and Accident Rates

• Fall and Winter (November – March): Car accidents are most frequent between 4:00 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. due to reduced daylight, slippery roads, and increased traffic congestion.
• Spring and Summer (April-October): The highest accident rates occur between 12:00 p.m. and 3:59 p.m as more vechicles are on the road, and higher speeds lead to more severe collisions.

Rush Hour and Accident Risk

• Morning Commute (7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.) : presents a 40% higher risk of accidents due to heavy traffic, driver fatigue, and distracted pedestrians rushing to work or school.
• Evening Commute (3:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.): carries a 27% increased risk of auto accidents, largely caused by fatigue, distractions, and road congestion as drivers navigate home after a long day.

Weekends and Impaired Driving

• Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to see a spike in alcohol consumption, making impaired driving a significant concern, contributing to 27% of all fatal car crashes, often leading to serious injuries.

How Many Car Accidents Occur Per Day in Toronto?

In Toronto, approximately 50% out of every 100,000 individuals are involved in vehicle collisions annually, averaging about 137 collisions per day. When it comes to impaired driving-related collisions, between 2018 to 2022, there were a total number of 788 reported cases in Toronto where drug or alcohol impairment was a contributing factor. In 2022, 71 such impaired-related collisions were recorded, representing a small decrease of 52% compared to 2021. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for awareness and enforcement to improve road safety across the city.

Major Reasons for Fatal Collisions

Distracting Driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it takes approximately 1.5 seconds to recognize a hazard and another 1.5 seconds to react by braking or steering away from danger. This brief lapse in attention can be the difference between a near miss and a serious crash.

• Drivers using a phone are 4 times more likely to be involved in an accident.
• Engaging in distractions, such as texting, adjusting in -car entertainment, or eating, increases the risk of a crash or near-miss by up 8 times.

In 2022, 21.9% of total injuries of fatal collisions were attributed to speeding. Excessive speed significantly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely, making it more difficult to avoid obstacles or navigate sharp turns. It also extends stopping distances, meaning the vehicle requires more time to come to a complete stop in the case of an emergency. Speeding not only endangers the driver but also puts passengers, pedestriains, and other road users at risk. To prevent fatal accidents, it is essential to obey posted speed limits and adjust speeds according to road and weather conditions.

Aggressive or reckless driving including dangerous behaviours such as speeding, tailgating, weaving between lanes, ignoring traffic signals, making illegal turns, and performing risky stunts. These actions significantly reduce reaction time, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents and severe injuries.

In 2022, approximately 23% of all fatal motor vehicle collisions in Canada were caused by impaired drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances. Beyond the devastating loss of life and severe injuries, impaired driving also costs an estimated $20 billion annually, covering medical expenses, property damage, and legal fees. Making responsible choices and avoiding impaired driving is essential to keeping yourself and others safe on the road.

Seasonal and Holiday Variations

Collision rates across Canada tend to increase during the winter months, particularly in November, December, and January, due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. Fridays in December see a notable rise in accident risks as holiday travel and winter conditions create hazardous driving situations.

Long weekends also experience a spike in collisions, with fatal crashes occurring 18% more frequently than on regular weekends. While public safety campaigns often focus on impaired driving and speeding, distracted driving and lower seatbelt use are also major contributions to fatal accidents during holidays.

Additionally, rural areas see higher collision rates, especially involving out-of-province drivers unfamiliar with local road conditions. To reduce risks, drivers should remain cautious, adapt to changing weather conditions, and always wear a seatbelt to improve road safety for themselves and others.

Weather and Road Conditions

Top 3 Most Dangerous Winter Driving Conditions

1) Fog might seem harmless, it can be extremely dangerous in cold weather. Fog can appear quickly and unexpectedly reducing visibility drastically. Combined with freezing temperatures, it creates a hidden hazard in the form of black ice; an invisible layer of ice that forms when moisture freezes on the road.

• Driving Tip: Maintain a 4-second following distance in poor visibility conditions (double the usual 2-second rule)

2) Freezing Rain is particularly dangerous because it can quickly turn untreated roads into ice rinks, creating treacherous driving conditions. It is one of the most hazardous winter weather events, as it is difficult to detect, and extremely slippery, increased the risk of losing control.to to drive in, as it’s hard to detect and extremely slippery.

• Driving Tip: If heavy freezing rain is forecasted, it’s best to postpone travel until conditions improve.

3) Lake Effect Snow can create sudden white-out conditions, reducing visibility to near zero within moments. These intense snowstorms are often highly localized, catching drivers off guard, even in areas far from traditional snow belts. Additionally, Arctic air masses can cause these conditions to develop inland, far from large bodies of water, making them unpredictable and dangerous for drivers.

• Driving Tips: Avoid using cruise control in hazardous weather and reduce speed when visibility decreases to maintain full control of your vehicle.

Seeking Help After an Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident in Ontario, taking the right steps immediately can protect your rights and help secure the compensation you deserve. The first priority is to remain calm and assess the situation. Check yourself and other for injuries, and if medical attention is needed, call emergency services right away. If the accident is serious or involves significant damage, it is crucial to contact police, as an official police report can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.

Gather necessary information from the other driver(s) including their name, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle specifics. Documenting the accident scene is essential, take clear photos of the vehicles involved, visible damages, license plates, road conditions, and any traffic signs or signals that may be relevant. Report the accident to your insurance company within 7 days, regardless of whether you plan to file a claim. Avoiding making any statements that admit fault, as they could be used against you later in the claims process. Additionally, even if you do not feel injured at the time, seeking medical attention is highly recommended.

Seeking legal advice from a personal injury lawyer can help provide clarity on your rights and options. A lawyer can help guide you through the claims process, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for injuries or damages. At Grillo law, our experienced legal team is committed to protecting your rights and advocating for your best interested.

Tips for Safe Driving:

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always stay alert while driving. Constantly scan the road ahead and check your mirrors to anticipate potential hazards. Distracted drivers are a leading cause of accidents, contributing to an estimated 22.5% of fatal collisions and 25.5% of serious injury collisions in 2021, according to data from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database.
• Obey the Speed Limit: Speeding reduces the amount of time you have to react to unforeseen circumstances. Always drive within the posted speed limit.
• Never Drink and Drive: If you plan on consuming alcohol, ensure that you are have a designated drive or arrange alternative transportation. Impaired driving dramatically increases the risk of accidents.
• Always Wear Your Seatbelt: Wearing seatbelts is one the most effective ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash. Transport Canada reports that over 32% of fatal accidents involve unbelted drivers and passengers.