Los Angeles is infamous for its gridlocked freeways and bustling city streets. With so much traffic congestion, car accidents are an unfortunate reality for many residents. To better understand the risks on our roads, we analyzed data from 28,916 crashes recorded in 2024, sourced from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS). This comprehensive dataset highlights when car accidents are most likely to occur, pinpointing the most and least dangerous days and times for drivers in Los Angeles.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, this data could help shed light on high-risk driving periods. Let’s dive into the numbers.

The Most Dangerous Days and Times for Car Accidents in Los Angeles

The SWITRS data from 2024 clearly shows that certain times and days of the week are especially dangerous for Los Angeles drivers.

Peak Times for Crashes: Late Afternoons and Early Evenings

One of the clearest trends in the data is that car accidents spike during late afternoon and early evening hours (3:00 PM – 5:59 PM). This time frame consistently sees the highest number of crashes across every day of the week, likely due to rush hour congestion and increased commuter traffic.

• Tuesday, 3:00 PM – 5:59 PM, had the highest number of crashes in the entire dataset, with 968 incidents.
• Friday, 3:00 PM – 5:59 PM, came in second, recording 951 crashes during the same time window.
• Across all days of the week, crashes between 3:00 PM and 5:59 PM consistently ranged from 849 to 968, underscoring the dangers of driving during this period.

Days with the Most Accidents: Friday and Tuesday

• Friday leads as the most accident-prone day of the week, with crash numbers peaking during afternoon and evening hours. Increased traffic from commuters and weekend travelers likely plays a role in this trend.
• Tuesday follows closely behind, with consistently high crash rates, particularly during the evening commute.
• Wednesday also shows significant crash volumes, further emphasizing the dangers of midweek driving.

The Least Dangerous Times to Drive

The SWITRS data also highlights safer times to be on the road:

• Early Morning Hours (12:00 AM – 5:59 AM):
  Overnight and early morning driving saw the lowest crash rates, with counts dropping significantly. For example:
  • Between 3:00 AM and 5:59 AM, crash counts ranged from 140 to 283, far below the high-risk afternoon hours.
• Sunday Mornings:
  Sundays tend to be the safest day of the week for drivers, especially in the morning. Between 6:00 AM and 11:59 AM, crashes are markedly lower compared to weekday mornings.

Key Takeaways for Los Angeles Drivers

This 2024 SWITRS data provides valuable insights for Los Angeles drivers:

• Avoid driving during rush hour. Late afternoons and early evenings are the most dangerous times to be on the road due to heavy traffic and heightened driver fatigue.
• Exercise caution on Fridays and Tuesdays. These days consistently show the highest accident rates.
• Plan trips during safer periods. If possible, opt for early mornings or non-peak hours, particularly on Sundays, when roads are less congested.

Injured in a Car Accident? Impact Attorneys Is Here to Help

Even the most cautious drivers can fall victim to accidents caused by another person’s negligence. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

At Impact Attorneys, we specialize in personal injury cases in Los Angeles, including car accident claims. Our team is committed to helping you recover from the financial and emotional toll of an accident.

Why Choose Impact Attorneys?

• Many years of Experience: Our legal team has helped countless accident victims obtain justice and recover substantial settlements.
• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
• Personalized Legal Strategies: Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and goals.

Contact Impact Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but with Impact Attorneys, you’re not alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experienced personal injury lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us or fill out our online form to get started.