Drivers warned over 'most dangerous month' to be on the roads

November is the most dangerous month for road traffic accidents, warns new data from Simpson Millar ahead of Road Safety Week. There were 9,592 recorded incidents last year alone according to analysis of Department for Transport data by the national law firm.

November in previous years had seen 9,592 incidents recorded in 2022, 17% higher than December's 8,209. The transition into winter means slippery roads, reduced visibility, and frequent rain, making November especially hazardous for drivers.

The times of 5pm and 4pm were identified as the most dangerous times for collisions, according to Simpson Milar’s analysis, with 9,160 and 8,556 recorded smashes, respectively. 3pm was also noted to be a dangerous time, with 8,521 reported accidents.

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These times coincide with rush hour. With heavier traffic between 3pm and 6pm as people head home from work and school, or set out for evening plans.

Conversely, the safest times to drive were early in the morning, with just 697 accidents taking place at 4 AM and 792 accidents taking place at 3 AM. They also found that one in three crashes occur on local roads

Local roads pose a significant risk, with one in three car accidents occurring on single-carriageways, especially on unclassified local roads. These roads, which make up 60% of the UK’s road network, accounted for 33,232 incidents in the latest report.

While many assume high-speed motorways would see the most accidents, they actually represent just 3% of reported road traffic accidents. Mark Howarth, Personal Injury Solicitor at Simpson Millar, said of the data “Road collisions are, unfortunately, a regular occurrence in the UK, especially in November.

“It’s important to exercise caution when driving, especially on long trips. Other studies show that longer drives lead to less vigilance and increased fatigue, suggesting more accidents during these periods. Therefore, it's even more important to drive safely. Exercise caution during peak traffic periods, particularly during rush hours between 4 and 5 PM.”