When Do Most Car Accidents Happen?

Being a commuter on the Philippine roads can sometimes be a hassle, from distracted pedestrians, and reckless taxi drivers, to general bad driving from other motorists. It has become an everyday expectation to meet bad drivers while on our daily commutes.  

For some people, driving in major cities has become an Olympic sport, often requiring intense focus and hypervigilance. This can often be compounded by bad roads and failing infrastructure, such as potholes and traffic lights that don’t work. 

All these factors play a significant role in the number of car accidents that occur throughout the year. This is why it is important to know when most car accidents are likely to happen so you can best prepare yourself. This could be learning tips for safe driving or adopting driving habits that reduce the risk of car accidents.

Let’s see the most dangerous times to be on the road, and how Cartrack can help you best navigate them.

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In this article, you will:

• Learn when most car accidents happen

• Find out what causes these accidents

• Find out how to avoid getting into a car accident

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The Most Likely Times for Car Accidents to Happen

There are many factors to consider when trying to assess when most car accidents happen. Time of day, season, and specific days in the week all play a role in determining the likelihood of an accident. All these considerations paint a more holistic picture of what happens on the road in the Philippines.

These are some of the times to know when most car accidents happen: 

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Peak Traffic Hours

Morning Rush Hour

The period between 6 AM and 9 AM, when people are commuting to work or school, is a high-risk time for accidents. This is when roads are congested, and drivers are often in a hurry.
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Evening Rush Hour 

Similarly, the evening rush hour sees an increase in accidents as people are returning from work, often fatigued or stressed, and traffic is dense.

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Weekends and Public Holidays

Weekends

Accidents tend to increase on weekends, especially on Saturday afternoons and evenings. People are more likely to go out to socialise, travel, or engage in recreational activities, leading to more vehicles on the road.
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Public Holidays and Long Weekends

Philippines experiences a significant increase in road accidents during public holidays, long weekends, and holiday seasons (e.g., Christmas & New year, Holy week & Undas, and others). Increased travel, higher alcohol consumption, and fatigue contribute to this spike.

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Holiday Seasons

December (Festive Season)

The festive season in December, particularly around Christmas and New Year, is a high-risk period for car accidents in Philippines. Many people travel long distances to visit family, go on holiday, or attend celebrations. Increased alcohol consumption and tired drivers on long trips contribute to the higher accident rate during this time.
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Long Weekends

Similar to the December holidays, Long weekends like, Holy week and Undas sees a significant rise in road accidents, as many Filipinos travel for religious observances, vacations, or to visit family.

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Night-time and Late-Night Driving

Night-time 

Car accidents are more common at night due to reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and the higher likelihood of driving under the influence of alcohol. The risk of accidents increases after dark, especially on rural or poorly lit roads.
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Late-Night Driving 

This time period, especially on weekends, often sees more accidents due to impaired driving, either from alcohol or fatigue.

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Weather-Related Conditions

Rainy and Stormy Weather

Accidents in the Philippines also increase during rainy weather, especially in the summer months (June to November) with high risk of typhoons. Wet roads can cause cars to skid, reduce visibility, and increase stopping distances, contributing to accidents.
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Fog and Poor Visibility

In areas prone to fog, accidents can be more frequent early in the morning or late in the evening when visibility is compromised.

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High-Risk Locations

Highways and Major Roads

Long-distance travel routes, including highways and main roads, are prone to accidents, especially during holiday seasons when traffic volume is high. The Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, C5 Road and Marcos Highway are some of the busiest roads, seeing numerous accidents, particularly when drivers are fatigued or over-speeding.
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Urban and Congested Areas

Cities like Metro Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City see frequent accidents during rush hours due to heavy traffic and frequent lane changes.

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Key Factors Contributing to Car Accidents in the Philippines

There are many reasons that a car accident can happen, most of these are either from human error or vehicle mechanical failure. These are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Philippines:

• Speeding: Excessive speed is one of the leading causes of car accidents, particularly during rush hours and holiday periods.
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• Alcohol: Drunk driving is a significant problem, especially during weekends, holidays, and festivities.
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• Driver Fatigue: Long-distance travel, especially during holidays, often results in fatigued drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
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• Distracted Driving: The use of mobile phones, texting, or other distractions while driving also contributes to accidents, particularly during peak hours.

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Ways to Avoid Car Accidents 

The risk of car accidents can fortunately be mitigated by a few simple measures that can be taken by the driver. These can be done easily at home or practised on the road, here are 9 of the best ways to avoid car accidents: 
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1. Prepare Your Vehicle

• Check tyres and Brakes: Ensure your tyres have adequate tread and are properly inflated. Brakes should be responsive.
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• Ensure Visibility: Clean your windows, mirrors, and headlights. Replace windshield wipers and ensure the defrost system works properly.
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• Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, first-aid kit, jumper cables, and snacks in case you're stuck.

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2. Plan Your Route

• Avoid Peak Traffic Times: If possible, plan your trips during off-peak hours to avoid congested roads. Early mornings or late evenings can be less busy.
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• Use Navigation Apps: Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to check real-time traffic conditions and road closures, helping you avoid delays and risky areas.
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• Know Alternate Routes: Familiarise yourself with alternate routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams.

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3. Increase Your Awareness

• Stay Alert: Busy seasons often bring more distracted drivers, so stay aware of what's going on around you.
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• Watch for Pedestrians: With more people out shopping or vacationing, there is a higher chance of pedestrians. Be vigilant, especially in parking lots or city streets.
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• Drive Defensively: Be aware of other drivers' actions, and always assume that others might make unexpected moves.

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4. Adjust to Weather Conditions

• Drive Slower in Bad Weather: During the winter or rainy season, reduce speed and increase following distance to maintain control on slippery roads.
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• Use Headlights Properly: If it's foggy, rainy, or dark, use your headlights, but avoid bright lights if there's heavy traffic or rain.

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5. Limit Distractions

• Stay Off Your Phone: Avoid texting or using your phone while driving. Use hands-free devices if you must make a call.
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• Keep Focused: Avoid eating or engaging in other distractions. Full attention should be on the road.

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6. Manage Stress and Fatigue

• Take Breaks on Long Trips: If you're travelling long distances, take breaks to stretch and rest. Fatigue can lead to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
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• Stay Calm in Traffic: Busy seasons can cause frustration with delays and crowded roads. Staying calm will help you make better decisions.

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7. Practice Safe Driving

• Follow Traffic Laws: Always obey speed limits, signal lane changes, and stop at red lights and stop signs.
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• Maintain Safe Following Distance: Give yourself extra space to react to sudden stops, especially in heavy traffic.

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8. Be Aware of Holiday Driving Hazards

• Watch for Drunk Drivers: Busy seasons like holidays can bring more impaired drivers. Be extra cautious, especially late at night.
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• Holiday Shoppers: With crowded shopping centres and events, slow down in parking lots and be cautious when entering or leaving parking spaces.

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9. Ensure Proper Vehicle Maintenance

• Regular Checks: Schedule maintenance for your vehicle, including oil changes and inspections. A breakdown in heavy traffic can be dangerous.
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• Check Lights and Indicators: Ensure all lights are working, as they are essential for visibility, especially in busy and dark conditions.

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All these factors considered can significantly reduce the chances of an accident.

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How can Cartrack Help?

Cartrack offers a range of services to assist in the case of an accident. These can be taken on as a value-added service on top of the standard stolen vehicle recovery option. 

One of these services is car crash detection, vehicle tracking software that notifies you if your car has been involved in an accident and sends out an alert for assistance. This then allows for a faster response time from medical assistance. 

Another solution we offer is roadside assistance, with this value add Cartrack can send out help in case your vehicle has been damaged on the road. This help can be legal aid, medical help, and even general roadside assistance such as tyre replacement. These solutions can make the experience of a car accident easier to handle and manage. 

As a driver and vehicle owner, it is important to know how and when car accidents happen. This knowledge will aid you in navigating the sometimes complicated roads in Philippines. What you can also do is put in measures to assist you in the case of such an event.

Cartrack is best equipped to assist in this manner, contact us to find out more about our product offering and how it can be tailored to your needs.