Hourly Statistics
The Hidden Reality in the Calendar: When Do Traffic Crashes Increase?
Traffic crashes are not coincidences; when we look at the calendar, days of the week, and hours of the day, a very clear behavioral and risk pattern emerges.
Data from Turkey in 2024 reveals the following: "There is risk every day of the year; however, certain months, days, and hours are far more lethal than others."
Monthly Traffic Crash Data
"Summer months are not just the peak of vacations, but also the peak of crashes."
In 2024, the highest number of crashes in Turkey occurred in August. With the opening of the holiday season and the revival of the construction and agriculture sectors, traffic density increases significantly on both intercity and rural roads during these periods.
The highest fatality rates are also observed during the July–August period. When looking at total crash statistics on a seasonal basis, 29% of crashes in Turkey occur during the Summer (June–August).
The message is clear: Beyond being "holiday season," summer is "risk season." Everyone getting behind the wheel needs to arm themselves with "summer alertness" rather than "summer complacency."
Source: TUİK- Includes those who were injured in a traffic accident, referred to a healthcare facility, and died within 30 days due to the cause and effects of the accident.
Weekly Traffic Crash Statistics
"As the weekend approaches, the risk increases."
According to 2024 data in Turkey:
The highest number of crashes occurred on Friday (40,429 crashes).
The highest number of fatalities occurred on Saturday (1,005 deaths).
The highest number of injury crashes also took place on Friday (39,602 injury crashes).
When the data is analyzed, it is evident that the Friday–Saturday–Sunday period accounts for 44% of all crashes throughout the week.
This data tells us the following: "As the weekend nears, relaxed minds, fatigued bodies, and speeding vehicles make the roads more dangerous."
When making weekend plans, one should plan not just the destination, but also how and with what level of caution they will get there.
Source: TUİK- Includes those who were injured in a traffic accident, referred to a healthcare facility, and died within 30 days due to the cause and effects of the accident.
Time-Based Traffic Crash Statistics
"Certain hours of the day are much more unforgiving than others."
In 2024, in Turkey:
The highest number of crashes occurred between 17:00 and 17:59.
Looking at fatality data, the highest number of deaths occurred between 18:00 and 18:59.
The peak period for crashes in Turkey is between 12:00 and 17:59, accounting for 40% of all incidents.
This is followed by the 18:00–23:59 time slot, which accounts for 32% of crashes.
When combined with factors such as:
After-work rush hour traffic,
Fatigue,
Hurrying/Impatience,
Decreasing daylight (especially during winter months),
these hours transform roads into critical risk windows.
"The time you get behind the wheel is as vital as the destination itself."
