If you drive to and from work each day, then you are in the same position as millions of people in the U.S. Most people make it to their destination safely, but that’s not the case for everyone, unfortunately.
Rush hour can vary between locations, but it’s generally considered to be between the hours of 7am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm. Why is it more dangerous to drive during these hours?
Traffic congestion
As mentioned, millions of people are in the same position in terms of driving to and from work. In your particular location, this could mean sharing the road with hundreds of vehicles at any given time. What this means is a lack of space. You’ll find it hard to implement safe following distances (generally three seconds), and so too will other drivers. A lack of space to operate in increases the likelihood of collisions.
Poor decisions
People driving during rush hour are typically on tight deadlines. They may have to be at work by a certain time or risk being disciplined. Or, they may be desperate to get home to their families after a tough day. Being in a rush often leads to poor decision-making, like speeding, changing lanes and other erratic maneuvers. This is certainly something to look out for if you drive during rush hour.
Distractions
Distractions are always a hazard, but they can be even more prominent during rush hour. For example, a driver may take a phone call while stuck in traffic or at a red light. This means that they are not focussing on the road should the lights change or should traffic start moving again.
After a long day, drivers during the later rush hour period may be fatigued. Again, this means that they are simply not able to focus on safe driving practices.
If you were injured during rush hour or any other time, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. Seeking legal guidance can help you establish whether or not negligence was a factor.