Friday and Saturday afternoons most dangerous for drivers

FRIDAY and Saturday afternoons are the most dangerous time on the road for motorists during the winter, Victoria Police data has revealed.

New crash data analysis has found on average 43 per cent of road accidents between the months of June and August occur between 12 noon and 6pm.

During this afternoon period, between 2019 and 2023, almost 8,000 collisions resulting in injury were recorded.

Across the state, the crash data revealed Friday afternoons between 12 noon and 6pm are the most dangerous time for motorists overall, with approximately 1,200 road accidents resulting in injury and 21 fatal collisions occurring over the same five-year period.

On regional roads however, collisions resulting in injury most frequently occurred on Saturday afternoons between 12 noon and 6pm.

With the arrival of winter and the launch of Victoria’s snow season, police are urging motorists to remain vigilant on the roads, and be on the lookout for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and motorcyclists, as reduced daylight and wintery conditions impact visibility.

Road policing assistant commissioner Glenn Weir said the crash data showed afternoons were a key danger period for motorists.

“We know it’s a time of day when there’s a lot of traffic on the roads but in the colder months, it’s also darker earlier and motorists have to contend with wet weather,” he said.

“That means it’s harder to see, takes more time to stop when the road surface is slippery and there’s less room for error.”

He encouraged motorists to “take extra care”, particularly if the weather is challenging and visibility is poor, or if driving in conditions such as rain, ice or snow.

“Stay safe and avoid being in a collision by slowing down, remaining a safe breaking distance from the vehicle in front and using headlights to see and be seen,” Weir said.

Those planning on making the most of the snow this year are also urged to monitor conditions ahead of travel and ensure appropriate wheel chains are used as legally required.

Weir warned motorists that police would be highly visible on roads across the state in the coming weeks with a focus on vulnerable road user safety and high-risk driving behaviour.

“It only takes one poor decision and a split second to cause a tragedy, and yet we’ve seen far too much of that on our roads this year,” he said.

“There will be zero tolerance for those who blatantly disregard the road rules.”

It comes as two more lives were lost on the roads over King’s Birthday long weekend, bringing this year’s road toll to 126 Victorians.

Pedestrian fatalities have doubled to 20, up from 10 at the same time last year, while motorcyclist fatalities have increased to 33, up from 19.