Friday 4pm the Most Dangerous Time On UK Roads, New Data Shows
4pm on Friday at a traffic light or roundabout. That’s when you’re more likely to sustain an injury in a road traffic accident, according to new analysis of UK accident data.
Research by First4Lawyers, based on four years of personal injury claims handled through their sister law firm First4InjuryClaims, analysed 6,690 road traffic accident claims to identify when and where collisions most often occur.
The analysis found that 26% of accidents happened between 3pm and 6pm, with Friday emerging as the most common day for collisions.
The overlap between the evening commute and the school run appears to create one of the most high-risk periods on UK roads.
Jacqueline Busby, Head of Legal Services at First4Lawyers, said:
“The data shows a clear link between busy roads and accident risk. When the school run and the evening commute collide, traffic levels rise and drivers are often tired or rushing to get home.”
October the worst month for accidents
The research also found that October recorded the highest number of accident claims, followed by January.
The shift into darker evenings combined with worsening weather conditions may play a role in the increased number of collisions.
Busby added:
“When daylight hours start to fall and weather conditions deteriorate, driving becomes more challenging. It’s a time when drivers need to adapt quickly to reduced visibility and busier roads.”
Drivers in their 30s most likely to claim
Drivers aged between 30 and 40 were the most common claimants, accounting for nearly 2,000 claims in the dataset.
Passengers were also frequently injured in road accidents, with one in four claimants travelling in a vehicle driven by someone else.
Younger people were also affected, with 505 claims involving people aged 15 to 20, representing around 7% of all claims analysed.
Motorways safer than smaller roads
The research also looked at the locations where accidents occurred.
The M25 recorded the highest number of claims, although this is largely due to the volume of traffic it carries. Despite accounting for around 15% of motorway traffic, it represented just 1% of claims, supporting wider Department for Transport data that motorways are generally safer than smaller roads.
Some of the most commonly named roads in accident claims included High Street, London Road, Church Road, Station Road and Manchester Road — names shared by roads in towns and cities across the UK.
Andrew Wild, Legal Director at First4InjuryClaims, said:
“Many accidents happen on familiar roads close to home. Drivers can sometimes become complacent on routes they travel every day, so it’s important to stay alert even on local journeys.”
Working to make roads safer
First4Lawyers said the findings highlight how everyday routines and travel patterns can influence accident risk — particularly during busy commuting periods.
“Behind every accident claim is an injured person whose life changed unexpectedly. By better understanding when and where accidents are most likely, we can take steps to make our roads safer.”
