Fall Evenings Bring Added Driving Risks in New York

Now that fall has officially settled in New York, the sunset comes earlier and more drivers find themselves traveling after dark. A study of federal crash data found that the hour beginning at 8 p.m. had the most traffic deaths in 2024.

Eight O’Clock Was the Deadliest Hour

The study found that 2,346 people died in crashes that happened between 8 and 9 p.m. nationwide. That does not mean every road is most dangerous at that exact time. The number counts deaths, not the risk faced during that time.

Weekends Had Nearly Half the Crashes

The United States had 36,297 fatal crashes in 2024. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday accounted for 17,403 of them, or nearly 48 percent. Saturday had the highest total of any day, with 6,218 fatal crashes.

Shift Workers Face Special Concerns

People working in hospitals, stores, restaurants, and warehouses may drive home late at night or early in the morning. Federal health experts warn that shift work, long hours, and poor sleep can make safe driving harder.

Fewer Crashes Do Not Always Mean Less Risk

Some overnight hours record fewer crashes because fewer vehicles are on the road. That does not always make those hours safer for each driver. Tiredness, darkness, and poor weather can create other dangers.

Fall Changes the Evening Drive

Earlier darkness can make people, animals, and bicycles harder to see. New York drivers can help by slowing down, using headlights, and avoiding the road when too tired to drive safely. The study reviewed national information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The numbers are crashes across the country and are not a separate count for New York.