Fridays are most dangerous for drivers

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The daily commute is always a grind, but did you know there’s one day of the week where you are more likely to be in a crash?

Welcome to your Friday, drivers!

“Our latest findings reinforce that Friday continues to be a treacherous day on the road, spanning minor and major collisions – many of which could be avoided,” says Dave MacInnis, Vice President, Product Operations at Allstate Insurance Company of Canada.

At 17 per cent, a road safety study from Allstate finds the final day of the work week is the day with the highest number of collision claims across the country.

“While our data is not able to identify specific reasons as to why collisions are up, or why more take place on Fridays, we suspect that various factors, such as increased traffic, inclement weather, and distracted driving may contribute to the heightened rate of claims,” says MacInnis.

Wednesdays are the worst for walkers and cyclists, with 17 per cent of claims for accidents involving those groups coming on that day.

The study looked at a number of provinces (not including BC) and suggests collisions are up 1.7 per cent nationally so far this year compared to 2015.

Allstate is offering some tips for drivers to stay safe behind the wheel any day of the week —

• Be aware of others on the road. Remember to always safely share the road with cyclists and keep a close eye out for pedestrians. Exercise additional caution when in high-traffic areas and at intersections.
• Mind your speed. One of the key contributors to collisions is a high rate of speed. One of the main steps drivers can take to reduce their chances of being involved in a collision is to reduce their speed.
• Always use your signals. Be vigilant about signaling to indicate a lane change. The second-most-common type of collision in this study involved lane changes.
• Don’t follow too closely. Accidents involving cars being rear-ended were the most common type of accident in the study. Leaving enough space to brake safely makes it less likely you’ll bump into the car ahead of you.
• Put down your phone. Distracted driving is a significant contributor to avoidable accidents. Refrain from distractions such as eating or grooming, and consider storing your phone out of arms’ reach so you’re not tempted to look at it while operating your vehicle.
• Never drive impaired. If you’re planning to consume alcohol, plan ahead for your ride home. Options include public transit, a designated driver, or a taxi. If you suspect another driver to be impaired, call 911 and report it to the police.