Car crashes surge weekday afternoons, not during rush hour
- Allianz reported over 10,300 claims for car accidents at 3pm in 2023, the highest volume during weekdays.
- Factors contributing to this spike include busy roads, distractions from children, and increased pedestrian traffic.
- The data indicates a need for heightened awareness among drivers during this peak time to reduce accidents.
Insurance claims data from Allianz reveals a significant spike in car accidents occurring around 3pm on weekdays, coinciding with the school pick-up period. In 2023, Allianz recorded over 10,300 claims during this time, dubbing it 'crash hour.' This figure starkly contrasts with the 4,500 claims at 6.30pm and just 1,600 at 8.30pm, indicating that the afternoon rush hour is particularly hazardous. The increase in accidents during this time can be attributed to several factors, including busy roads, parents rushing to pick up their children, and the presence of excitable kids in the car, which can lead to distractions. Additionally, the surge in pedestrians during school hours contributes to the heightened risk of collisions. Financially, the claims for accidents at 3pm cost Allianz £51 million in 2023, marking a £7 million increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, claims at 6.30pm also rose, totaling £27 million, an increase of £8 million year-on-year. This trend highlights the growing costs associated with car accidents during peak times. Interestingly, the morning rush hour shows a different pattern, with only 5,482 accidents reported at 8am, suggesting that drivers may be more alert in the morning. Allianz's claims director noted that the data reveals concerning trends in accident frequency and severity, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance during mid-late afternoons.