Fridays are the riskiest day for car accidents for most U.S. drivers, including in Michigan, according to a new study from Virginia-based vehicle history report provider CARFAX.
More accidents occur on Fridays in Michigan and 42 other states than on any other day of the week, with the end of the work week rush likely a contributing factor. By contrast, Sundays were the quietest on U.S. roads, with the fewest incidents reported in almost all states.
In Michigan, however, state statistics indicate that most fatal crashes happen on Sundays, and in August.
“Drivers need to stay vigilant anytime they’re on the road,” says John Fisher, chief of the Bedford Police Department in Massachusetts. “Law enforcement responds to thousands of crashes on Fridays, often due to heavy traffic, fatigue, and distracted or impaired driving. These incidents can cause major delays, damage, and serious injuries. While Saturdays see more fatalities, according to NHTSA, the sheer volume of Friday accidents makes it one of the most dangerous days to drive.”
Mississippi saw the largest share of accidents happening on Friday, with more than 18 percent. Other states where Friday saw the most accidents include Michigan, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, and North Carolina. In many of these road incidents, the vehicles involved sustained minor damage.
Tuesday is a busy day for accidents in Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, Vermont, and New Jersey. Montana has the most accidents on Wednesday.
According to a report by the Lee Steinberg Law Firm in Southfield, there were 287,953 vehicle crashes in Michigan in 2023, 1,095 resulting in fatalities. The state’s most populated county, Wayne County, recorded the most crashes at 51,507, with 16,481 resulting in injuries.
According to State of Michigan data, I-94 is the most dangerous road in Michigan with the highest number of fatal crashes.
For more information, visit Carfax.com.
