When Is the Most Dangerous Time to Drive in Texas?

An experienced car accident lawyer can hold negligent drivers accountable

Car accidents can happen at any time in Texas, but certain times and conditions increase the likelihood of a crash. Rush hours, afternoons, and holidays are particularly hazardous, as are local events and distractions on the road. Knowing when and where these dangers are most prevalent can help drivers take precautions, but even the most careful driver cannot account for every risk.

For those injured in a car accident, the aftermath of the crash can feel overwhelming. Recovering compensation is rarely simple, but with the right legal support, the process becomes far more manageable.

When are accidents most likely to happen in Texas?

Traffic patterns change throughout the day, and with them, the likelihood of a collision rises and falls. Some times of day are far riskier than others, particularly during heavy traffic or low-visibility conditions.

• Colder months: Five years of federal data reveal October and December as the deadliest months for traffic accidents in Texas. October and December accounted for more than 1,600 fatal accidents each, surpassing any other month in Texas.
• Rush hours: Morning and evening commutes are among the most dangerous times to drive in Texas. Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Texas highways are packed with commuters rushing to work or home. These congested conditions often lead to rear-end collisions and other accidents caused by distracted or aggressive driving.
• Nighttime driving: The dangers of driving increase significantly after dark. Reduced visibility, glare from oncoming headlights, and driver fatigue make nighttime driving more hazardous. Late-night hours (between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.) and early-morning hours (between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.), especially on weekends, often see more crashes involving impaired drivers, making these hours particularly dangerous.
  • Weekend nights: Friday and Saturday nights and early Sunday mornings (midnight to 4 a.m.) are particularly dangerous on Texas roads. Social gatherings and celebrations often lead to risky behaviors such as speeding or drunk driving. Late-night accidents on these days are not only more frequent but often more severe.
• Monday mornings: The start of the workweek can also be chaotic. Drivers heading to work may be tired or preoccupied with the week ahead, leading to a higher number of collisions on Monday mornings between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. The combination of fatigue and rushed driving creates hazardous conditions.
• Holiday dangers: Texas roads are especially risky during holidays. Federal data shows Thanksgiving and Memorial Day carry the highest crash risks in Texas, each with over 200 fatal accidents in the past five years – numbers unmatched by any other holiday. Increased travel and celebratory drinking contribute to higher accident rates. Long weekends and holiday gatherings often result in congested highways and fatigued drivers. Of the holidays analyzed – Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Christmas, and Fourth of July – in Texas, the fewest holiday crashes were recorded on Christmas.
• Local events: Festivals, concerts, and sporting events attract large crowds, which can cause heavy traffic and unpredictable driving conditions. Spring Break and summer vacation also bring a surge of out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with Texas roads. In Fort Worth, the Historic Stockyards, Sundance Square, music venues, and other attractions can generate large crowds and traffic congestion.

Collisions during these high-risk periods often involve significant injuries, and proving liability can be challenging. An experienced attorney can gather critical evidence and manage the complexities of the claims process, giving victims the best chance at recovering compensation.

What should you do after a crash?

The aftermath of a car accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can be overwhelming, especially given the region’s high traffic volume and complex road systems. However, taking the right steps after a crash can make a significant difference in both recovery and securing fair compensation.

1. Call 911 and file a report: In cities like Dallas and Fort Worth, police reports are crucial for documenting the crash, especially at high-risk intersections or highways such as I-35 or I-30. These records are often key to insurance claims and legal cases.
2. Gather evidence: Photos of the scene, witness statements, and details such as road conditions or traffic patterns can help establish what happened and who was at fault. Evidence is particularly important in areas like downtown Dallas or Fort Worth, where crashes often involve multiple vehicles.
3. Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, visiting a nearby medical facility, such as Baylor Scott & White Medical Center or Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, is essential. Symptoms like whiplash or internal injuries may take hours or days to appear.
4. Contact an attorney: Insurance companies in Texas often attempt to minimize payouts, and this is no different in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. An attorney familiar with local roads, traffic patterns, and accident trends can help victims secure the full compensation they deserve.

By following these steps, victims can protect their physical health and financial future. An experienced attorney can handle the legal complexities, allowing victims in Dallas-Fort Worth to focus on recovery while navigating the claims process with confidence.

If you’ve been in a crash, contact a lawyer to protect your rights.

Texas drivers face risks every day, but sometimes, conditions make accidents far more likely. Understanding when driving is most dangerous can help reduce the chances of a crash, but even the most cautious drivers can’t control the actions of others.

Car accident claims in Texas can be complicated. Proving liability often requires extensive evidence, including police reports, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Insurance companies may offer low settlements that fail to cover the full extent of damages.

Based in Fort Worth, Coby L. Wooten, Attorney at Law, P.C. has experienced trial lawyers who understand the challenges victims face after a crash. They know how to handle insurance companies, gather evidence, and build strong cases to secure the compensation victims deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. To learn how they can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our office in Fort Worth proudly serves clients throughout Texas.

“My experience with Coby was wonderful. I was permanently disabled in a personal injury case. It was a large case, and I had severe injuries. I am very, very, very happy with the settlement. Mr. Wooten settled the case in less than one year. I give Coby 6 out of 5 stars.” - Maela E., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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