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AAMI Crash Index 2018 reveals when crashes most commonly occur

5 December 2018

The 2018 AAMI Crash Index data has revealed that there are certain times of the day and days of the week where motor vehicle accidents are more likely to occur. The data, presented by AAMI, highlights one particular day and time of the week when people are most likely to have a crash, moreso than any other time.

AAMI is one of Australia’s leading insurers and part of the Suncorp Network, which also includes brands such as Apia, GIO and Shannons.

Explore the most common accident times in your state to see when accidents are most likely to occur and make sure you always keep road safety in mind, particularly when you’re on the road during these times.

Be particularly alert in the afternoon

According to the 2018 AAMI Crash Index data, Australian drivers are most accident-prone in the afternoon. 27.37% of all accidents occur during this time, with 53.63% of total crashes happening in the PM (from midday to midnight) – as opposed to 46.37% in the AM (midnight to midday). The time of day that has the least amount of accidents is the early morning – with only 3.98% of all accidents occurring then, according to the data.

Statistically speaking, people are 7.26% less likely to have an accident on their way to work or school, than they are on their way home. Which means that rather than speed home to put dinner on, or switch off because you’ve had a hard day at work, it pays to be extra cautious when driving at these times to ensure you stay safe on the road.

"Statistically speaking, people are 7.26% less likely to have an accident on their way to work or school, than they are on their way home."

Pay extra attention to the road on a Friday

Friday is that wonderful day of the week where you’re talking to your colleagues about plans for the weekend, or you’re texting mates to see what they’re up to. Unfortunately, Friday is also the day of the week people are most likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident.

As indicated in the 2018 AAMI Crash Index data, 16.4% of all accidents happen on a Friday. Why Friday? Well, according to the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP), the three leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in Australia are: speeding, fatigue and distraction. So, rather than racing home from work to get into your comfy clothes, instead pay extra attention to the road and other road users around you, making sure to avoid distractions like shooting off a text to friends – because not only is this illegal, it’s also dangerous.

What day are people least likely to have an accident? Sunday. Only 10.34% of all accidents occur then, according to the data. Sure, there may be fewer people on the road on a Sunday, but not zooming to get to work or being distracted because you’re texting to say you’re running late for work could be contributing factors.

Road safety tips: How to practise safe driving

While there may be many factors that contribute to certain times being more accident-prone than others, such as higher volumes of traffic and congestion, it’s always important to practise safe driving and remaining switched-on. Here are some simple road safety tips to help you practise safe driving:

Pay attention to other road users and avoid distractions, such as using your phone or digital device
Stay alert and under the speed limit at all times
Leave a reasonable braking distance between you and the vehicle in front – this will vary depending upon the speed at which you’re travelling and the road conditions at the time.

Accidents can happen at any time of day or day of the week, so it’s important to consider whether you have adequate Car Insurance cover – and even some form of Roadside Assistance in case of break downs.

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