Friday Is the Deadliest Day to Drive in Pennsylvania
Data shows that about 16% of all crashes in Pennsylvania happen on Fridays
Most of us don’t think about the danger of being in a car accident when we get behind the wheel. Driving is such a routine part of life that it’s easy to forget the risks. But data shows not every day carries the same level of danger. In fact, one day of the week stands out as the riskiest time to be on the road.
CARFAX reviewed crash data nationwide and found a clear trend: Fridays see more crashes than any other day of the week. In Pennsylvania, approximately 16% of all car accidents occur on Fridays. That’s a big jump compared to Sundays, which have the fewest crashes of the week.
Put another way, drivers in Pennsylvania are about 60% more likely to be involved in a crash on a Friday than on a Sunday. That’s not just a local issue; the same pattern shows up across the country.
Em Nguyen of CARFAX explained it this way: “That’s why we’re seeing much heavier traffic on Friday. On top of that, there’s the fatigue, potentially distracted driving, maybe even impaired driving.”
The National Safety Council notes that the danger climbs sharply starting around 4 p.m. on Fridays, which is right when rush hour begins. It’s a perfect storm: busy roads mixed with tired, distracted, and sometimes impatient drivers.
Why do crashes spike on Fridays?
The answer ultimately comes down to a combination of traffic volume, human behavior, and the energy of the end of the week. Here are the key factors that contribute to a higher rate of collisions on Fridays:
1. Heavier traffic
Friday afternoons and evenings are the definition of gridlock. It’s not just the usual rush-hour crowd heading home from work. You also have people running last-minute errands, families leaving town for the weekend, and young drivers heading out to meet friends. All of that adds up to a surge of vehicles that makes the roads more congested than usual. With more cars packed into the same space, the chance of fender benders, rear-end collisions, and risky lane changes climbs sharply.
2. Increased fatigue
By the end of the workweek, many drivers are worn out. Long hours at the office, lack of sleep, and the mental drain of five straight days on the leave people tired behind the wheel. Fatigue doesn’t just make you yawn; it slows reaction times, dulls judgment, and makes it easier to miss what’s happening on the road around you. A split-second delay in hitting the brakes or noticing a merging car can be the difference between a close call and a crash.
3. Distracted driving
Friday brings its own set of mental clutter. Drivers are texting friends to finalize dinner plans, taking calls from family, or scrolling through playlists to set the mood for the weekend. Even if the phone stays in the pocket, thoughts about the evening ahead can pull focus away from driving. When attention drifts, so does the ability to react to sudden stops, pedestrians, or changing traffic lights. It only takes a few seconds of distraction for a crash to happen.
4. Drunk and/or drugged driving
For some, Friday night marks the beginning of the weekend. Happy hours, after-work drinks, or parties can put impaired drivers on the road sooner than on other days. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can affect coordination and judgment, making crashes more likely. Impaired drivers may speed, drift between lanes, or fail to notice stop signs and signals. For sober drivers, that means sharing the road with people who aren’t fully in control—a risk that can’t be underestimated.
What about fatal car accidents?
Fridays lead in total crashes, but when it comes to deadly wrecks, Saturdays take the top spot. The risk of a fatal car accident is highest early in the morning (often after late-night outings) and again in the evening when weekend travel peaks. That shift highlights an important point: the most crashes happen when the most people are driving, but the most severe crashes happen when risky behaviors like impaired driving and speeding are more common.
How can drivers stay safe on Pennsylvania roads?
Knowing the risks is the first step. The next step for Pennsylvania drivers is to adjust their driving habits on high-risk days.
- Plan ahead: Leave earlier to avoid the heaviest traffic, especially on Friday afternoons.
- Stay alert: Put away your phone and keep your focus on the road.
- Watch for others: Be aware of impaired or erratic drivers, particularly on weekends.
- Be patient: Rushing rarely saves much time, but it increases the odds of a crash.
Contact our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers after a crash
If you were hurt in a car accident in Pennsylvania, no matter what day of the week, you deserve justice and fair compensation. However, insurance companies often employ tactics to keep their costs down, including those related to your settlement.
The experienced Pittsburgh car accident attorneys at Romanow Law Group know these tactics, and we’re ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Whether your crash happened in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, or anywhere across Western Pennsylvania, our team is committed to protecting your rights and helping you rebuild your life.
When you schedule a free consultation, you’ll sit down with one of our skilled Pittsburgh car accident lawyers who will listen to your story, review the details of your crash, and explain your legal options.
There’s no pressure and no obligation to work with us; just clear guidance on the next steps to take. Best of all, you pay nothing up front, and we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
To get started, contact us online today to schedule your free case evaluation. Let us put the Romanow Difference to work for you and start fighting for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
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