Recently published figures reveal what times in the day are the most riskiest to drive in Richmond Upon Thames.

According to analysis from Confused.com, the most dangerous hour of the week to drive in the UK is 3am to 4am on Sunday, when drivers face the highest likelihood of being involved in an accident.

The research from the insurance company shows roads are becoming riskier during after midnight hours, despite traffic levels being among the lowest of the day.

Using the Department for Transport's (DfT) Traffic Flow Index, Confused.com has created a Safety Index to show how risky each hour is in terms of collisions relative to traffic levels.

The higher the Safety Index, the more dangerous it is to drive at that hour. This is reflected in the number of collisions and high safety index figures seen in the late night-hours. 

However, The data reveals that in Richmond borough between 3pm and 4pm there were 35 recorded collisions and between 5pm and 6pm the same amount. 

The safest periods to drive nationally were between 5am to 7am on weekdays.

Midweek mornings stand out as the lowest-risk window for driving, with Wednesday recording the safest time of the week.

Across the country, during the early hours is when it is most dangerous to drive (credit: Nub News).

Confused.com says they tend to be safer because commuter traffic might be more predictable and generally moves at slower, steadier speeds, which helps reduce collision risk.

On weekends, the safest time shifts later to 9am to 10am, when morning traffic might pick up, but collisions remain comparatively low. 

When it comes to collisions alone, in the last year, national data shows there were 100,927 across the country.

In specific areas of the country, the busiest crash window falls between 5pm to 6pm.

During this period, the top three councils with the highest numbers of collisions include Kent (265), Surrey (215), and Essex (205).

Rhydian Jones, Confused.com car insurance expert, commented: "Road safety relies on more than just how many cars are on the road.

"It depends on how conditions evolve through the day, and our analysis makes that pattern unmistakably clear.

"The late afternoon sees the highest number of collisions because the roads are busy.

"But when we look at the risk per vehicle, it's the late-night and early-morning hours that are proportionately the most dangerous.

"That's when visibility drops, fatigue sets in and roads are quiet enough that drivers may take more risks.  

"With the festive season approaching, we know journeys become longer, traffic becomes heavier, and weather conditions get tougher.

"Our research shows many drivers already feel nervous, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas, and nearly a third admit to speeding when the roads look quiet.

"Our interactive 'Safety Index' tool can help drivers make informed decisions about when they travel, reducing risk and helping them stay safer behind the wheel." 

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