News 1130 reports there is a greater chance of getting into a car accident during your drive home than when you drive to work in the morning. The Canadian Institution for Health Information reviewed stats from accidents that occurred in 2010 and 2011. Nearly 4000 drivers were admitted to hospital between 4 p.m. and midnight, while only 1800 were admitted from midnight to 8 a.m.

Ian Jack from the Canadian Automobile Association says distractions are a major cause of accidents because “people are a bit more tired at the end of the day, in a bit of a rush to get home or pick up their kids.”

While Friday afternoon is the most accident-prone day, there are many factors that can distract drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers tips to help keep your drive safe:

• Don’t use your cell phone – it’s illegal in most provinces and states.
• Pre-program your GPS and navigation systems.
• Avoid eating and drinking whenever possible.
• Pre-set music playlists and radio stations.

Plan ahead and protect yourself and other road users. Don’t become another statistic.

For More Information:

• Most hospitalizations from traffic collisions happen during the late afternoon and evening, CMAJ
• Afternoon commute deadlier than morning commute, News 1130