Driving is an activity that we all enjoy. So, what are the best times to drive on the highway? There’s nothing quite like a long, quiet drive with the windows down to let the breeze in while listening to some tunes.
However, most of us have limits when it comes to driving time. If you know what times of day are best for you to drive, you can make your life easier and better in many ways.
There are different times to drive on the highway. We have compiled a list of the best and worst times to drive on the highway, based on current traffic conditions.
Best Times To Drive On The Highway
The worst time to drive your bus morning commute is 70 minutes before 5:59 a.m., due to traffic calming down from the rush hour and creating an opportunity for roads that are normally slower and should be driven at less busy hours instead of during peak times, especially when it comes to bridges or highways with lower speed limits, like I-395 southbound in Washington D.C.
The next worst hours to drive during rush hour are between 3 p.m.–5 p.m., 20 minutes before 5:59 a.m.; 8-9p. and 12 midnight–1a.-2a.$T, 15 min before 5:59am $A half hour in traffic is as hazardous at these times on the highways too due to increased speed limits since mostly everyone leaves for home in this time frame after stopping for lunch.
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
In its latest traffic safety report, national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) says that there was a 34% increase from 2015 to 2016 in the number of people killed on American roads.
According to the nhtsa’s data, more than 40,000 died last year and about 400 were individuals aged 23 or younger who had not yet reached driving age.
About half of these deaths occurred during daylight hours but around one quarter occurred at night due to increased drinking—and that’s not even mentioning distracted drivers.
Workplace crashes which accounted for 9% of the total fatality figures revealed that most accidents occurred between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., when motorists are commuting or driving to/from work, during drizzling days or with poor visibility caused by rain showers and foggy weather conditions on concrete roads at night time hours (9%).
The National Center for Statistics & Analysis States in its yearly report that traffic accidents caused by drinking are on the rise. In 2016, nearly 25% of car crashes resulted from alcohol consumption.
What Is The Busiest Time To Drive?
In the United States, 8-9 a.m., 12 noon-1 p.m., 3 p.m.-5 pm, and 6 p.m.-7 p.m. approx. are the busiest times of day in terms of length of commutes for urban driving.
Daily traffic volume is about 20% higher at these peak hours due to a larger number people traveling shorter distances, but this does not account for crashes which occur between midnight-5 a.m., when there are less travelers in general or else most individuals will be reaching home from work during these hours.
Although there were more than 11,000 drunk driver fatalities in 2016, most people are only familiar with the term because it is used to describe a person who has had too much to drink and subsequently lost control of their vehicle.
However, given that other sources (e.g., Time) indicate that nearly 25% of wrecks on American highways cause by alcohol consumption, the issue is much broader than just those who drink and drive.
Suitable Times To Drive On The Highway
There are specific events during the day when driving proves to be much safer, so commuters can choose a regular or best time to drive home. Be alert on these occasions as this allows for roadway planning and construction of right-of changes.
An example would be Monday mornings, where many people stay at work during the weekend for additional hours due to holiday preparations. An estimated 35% of traffic accidents caused by drunk driving happen on weekends.
Should I Turn Off My Headlights When I’m Driving at Night?
If you are driving at night, it is advisable to turn off your headlights. If you want to drive safely, then it is important that the light from your car doesn’t shine into other cars’ headlights.
The following reasons justify why you should turn off your headlights:
- It will reduce the risk of crashing due to glare from oncoming vehicles
- It will help preserve fuel efficiency
- It will prevent animal collisions and bird fatalities
- It will prevent animals from acting unpredictably
- It allows you to navigate darkness more easily and reduces the risk of accidents with pedestrians or other drivers
If you feel unsafe driving in complete darkness, then it’s best that another person stays at home and drive instead.
Related: How Long It Takes To Drive 1 Mile?
Some Tips for Driving Safely When It’s Dark Outside
- If you are driving in the dark, use your headlights to see what’s ahead of you.
- Keep your eyes on the road and don’t focus on anything else.
- Stay focused on the road and pay attention to what’s happening around you so that you’re not surprised by something unexpected.
- Don’t drive too fast when it’s dark outside.
- Driving 20 miles per hour on dark streets is safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1. Is There A Certain Way Of Turning Off Your Headlights So They Don’t Dazzle Other Drivers’ Eyes?
There are many ways to turn off your headlights, one of which is by turning them off manually. However, it is better to use an automatic headlight switch that will turn the lights on and off automatically based on the surrounding light conditions.
A good example of this type of switch would be a ‘smart’ car’s headlight switch where the lights can be turned on or off remotely using a smartphone app.
2. How Can I Tell If It’s Safe To Drive On The Highway At Night?
Driving at night is a dangerous activity and there are certain precautions that should be taken. The best way to avoid accidents is by driving during the day.
3. What Time Is The Highway Least Busy?
If you are travelling on a highway, then the time of day when there is least traffic will depend on what season it is. In summer, it will be around 6:00 AM and in winter, it will be around 3:00 PM.
However, if you are travelling at night or during rush hour, then the best time to travel would be during early morning hours because less people are on the road.
4. What Is The Best Day To Travel On The Highways?
The best day to travel on the highways is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
There are many reasons why these days are considered to be the best days for travelling on the highways.
5. What Is The Safest Time Of Day To Drive?
The safest time of day to drive is in the morning when traffic is light. The most dangerous time of day to drive is at night because you are more likely to get into an accident.
Conclusion
Best time to drive on the highway – the best time to drive on the highway depends on a number of factors. It is important to know when it is safe to drive and when you should consider postponing your journey.
For example, it may be best to delay your trip if you have not yet driven in the morning because of heavy traffic or if there are construction sites that have slowed down traffic.
On the other hand, if you are travelling with a friend or family member, it may be best to make sure they can get where they need to go before getting behind the wheel.
In this article we have described the best time to drive on the highway. I hope now you know about what are the best times to drive on the highway.
