Where Do the Most Crashes Happen, and Why?

No matter how safe of a driver you consider yourself to be, there's always a chance that you could end up in an accident. After all, even when you employ defensive driving tactics, you can't control the actions of other drivers. All it takes is one distracted motorist or one honest mistake to cause a crash.

So, if you are involved in an accident, where is it most likely to occur? The answer might surprise you. By being aware of the most common places where auto accidents occur—as well as some practical tips for safe driving—you can stay better informed and reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.

Most Accidents Happen Close to the Driver's Home

Believe it or not, the majority of car accidents happen close to home. This can be surprising and sobering information for many motorists who may actually feel the safest and most comfortable while traveling close to home.

There have been a number of studies by industry authorities (such as the NHTSA) over the years that support these findings, and the research has become widespread as a result. But why is it the case that accidents are more likely to occur close to home?

For starters, consider that many motorists do the majority of their driving relatively close to where they live. From running errands and dropping kids off at school to driving to work, many people have daily commutes of 25 miles or less. With this in mind, it makes sense that accidents may be more likely to occur within this vicinity.

Likewise, drivers may also have a false sense of comfort or security when driving close to home. Because their streets and routes are familiar to them, they may let their guard down and unknowingly put themselves at greater risk of being in an accident.

Other Common Places Where Vehicle Crashes Occur

More than likely, if you're involved in an accident (or have already been in one), it will happen pretty close to where you live. Of course, this doesn't mean that you should drop your guard while driving greater distances. In fact, there are a number of common places where vehicle crashes occur that may not be close to home. It's important to exercise additional caution when driving in these areas to keep yourself and other drivers safe.

Parking Lots and Parking Garages

Navigating through a busy parking lot can be a challenge, especially when you have cars pulling in and out of parking spaces. In some cases, it may be difficult to see behind and around you when trying to back out of a parking spot. Or, a car may suddenly back out in front of you, giving you very little time to hit the brakes. With this in mind, it's not uncommon for accidents to happen in parking lots and parking garages. And while it's unlikely for accidents in a parking lot to be more than fender benders (due to low speeds), drivers still want to avoid these crashes whenever possible.

Fortunately, advances in automotive technology make these accidents a little easier to avoid. As of 2018, all new cars sold in the U.S. are required to have backup cameras. Many modern vehicles are also equipped with rear parking sensors and cross-traffic alerts to mitigate these kinds of accidents in parking lots and garages. Still, it's important to check your surroundings when pulling in or out of a parking space and to be keenly aware of other parked cars backing out as you navigate through a busy parking lot.

Busy Intersections

Crowded intersections are another area where car accidents may be more likely to occur. There are many things that can go wrong at a busy intersection; drivers may become confused about which car has the right of way, which can easily cause a crash. Additionally, drivers who are not paying attention may run a red light and cause a serious accident. Likewise, it’s not uncommon for commuters to be involved in rear-end collisions at busy intersections. These accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries and property damage for all involved. That’s why it’s important to stay alert and practice defensive driving.

In Rush Hour Traffic

Rush hour is another common place where vehicle accidents occur the United States. In most areas around the country, rush hour falls during the most popular times for morning and evening commutes. Morning rush hour around most major cities typically falls between 6-8 AM, whereas evening rush hour is usually around 4:30-6:30 PM. With significantly more motorists on the road at these times, including many drivers that are rushing to get to or from work, reckless driving can be much more concentrated during rush hour.

Rush hour drivers in a hurry may be more likely to blow stop signs, make unsafe lane changes, and fail to obey posted speed limits. This combined with the higher levels of traffic makes it easy to see why rush hour is a common time for motor vehicle crashes.

Two-Lane Roads

Unfortunately, two-lane roads (which are most commonly found in rural areas) are another location more prone to accidents. In fact, 44% of fatal car crashes in 2019 occurred on rural roads. Two-lane roads are particularly dangerous because there isn't much margin for error—taking your eyes off the road even for a few seconds could result in a serious car accident.

Best Practices for Avoiding Car Crashes

Now that you have a better understanding of when and where most car accidents happen (and why), there are some practical tips you can follow to stay safer on the road.

Stay Focused and Alert While Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents nationwide. By making a deliberate effort to avoid distractions while behind the wheel, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting into an accident and protect those around you. Remember, cell phones aren't the only source of distracted driving. Other passengers, music, and even eating behind the wheel can create an unsafe situation in your vehicle.

Keep these tips in mind to lower your risk of distracted driving incidents:

Pull over somewhere safe to eat.
Keep your cell phone stowed away (and on silent mode) while driving.
Limit the number of passengers in your vehicle.
Pull up maps and directions to your destination before you get on the road.

Perform Regular Car Maintenance

Car accidents can also be caused by vehicle maintenance issues, such as blown-out tires and worn brake pads. Even driving your car with low tire pressure can reduce your traction and handling, making you more prone to an accident (especially if the roads are already slick due to rain or black ice).

If you haven't done so already, establish a preventive maintenance schedule for your vehicle. You can refer to your owner's manual to get a better idea of what maintenance your car needs and when. However, the following maintenance tasks are generally applicable to the majority of vehicles on the road:

Check your tire pressure and add or remove air as needed.
Schedule regular oil changes.
Rotate and balance your tires.
Check your brake pads and rotors and replace them when they become worn.
Make sure all brake lights and turn signals are in working order.

Check out our post about car maintenance safety for even more tips for establishing a solid maintenance routine.

Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course

Last but not least, it's never a bad idea to brush up on your defensive driving skills. By following basic defensive driving techniques behind the wheel, you can protect yourself from mistakes made by other drivers. In turn, these preventative behaviors can make you less likely to get into an accident.

There are plenty of official defensive driving courses available both in-person and virtually, so explore your options to figure out which class is best for you. If you enroll in a defensive driving course, check with your insurance company to see if you may be eligible for a discount on your premium.

In the meantime, here are some important defensive driving tips to keep in mind:

Be aware of your surroundings.
Maintain proper following distance.
Never depend on other drivers to do the right thing.

Accidents Happen—Clearcover Has You Covered

Whether far away or close to home, the reality is that accidents happen. If you're ever involved in a car accident, having the right auto insurance coverage can make all the difference.

Still looking for the right car insurance coverage? At Clearcover, we believe that real confidence starts with clear coverage. Request your free, no-obligation quote today for greater peace of mind behind the wheel.