BALTIMORE, MD—A new study has identified the riskiest month, day, and hour for drivers in Maryland.

The legal team at the Dallas-based personal injury law firm, The Barber Law Firm, analyzed the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) data on fatal crashes over a decade (2013 to 2022) to identify the riskiest driving times in the U.S., focusing on monthly, daily, and hourly trends.

Key Findings:

• The most dangerous month in Maryland is August, with 534 fatalities, which is 10.16% of the state’s total of 5254 car crash deaths.
• The riskiest day for driving is Saturday, with 952 fatalities, which is 18.12% of the total car crash deaths.
• The most hazardous hour to be on the road is 9:00 – 9:59 p.m., with 337 fatalities, making up 6.42% of the total car crash deaths.
• The average car crash fatalities per month in Maryland is 43.78.
• Maryland has a daily car crash fatalities average of 1.44.

The Riskiest Month, Day, and Hour in Maryland (2013-2022):

“Similar to how architects design with safety in mind, drivers can enhance their safety by being aware of high-risk times. This awareness enables drivers to plan safer trips by avoiding peak accident times,” says Kris Barber, Founder and Principal Attorney of The Barber Law Firm. “Drivers can also use navigation apps to find less congested routes and stay updated on weather forecasts to sidestep hazardous conditions. While driving, it’s essential to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to reduce the risk of sudden collisions.

“Staying informed about the riskiest periods and practicing responsible driving is crucial in achieving safer roads,” Barber added. “Combining these two, communities can create a thoughtfully planned environment that reduces accidents and ensures secure travel for all.”

Photo by camilo jimenez on Unsplash