Accidents can happen at any hour, but certain times of day and specific days of the week carry a higher risk for pedestrians. Knowing when those risks peak can help you make safer choices whether you’re walking to work, running errands, or simply crossing the street. Our Santa Monica, CA pedestrian accident lawyer has seen firsthand how timing plays a major role in traffic accidents, and we want to help you stay informed.
Evening Hours Carry Higher Risk
The most dangerous time for pedestrians is between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. During these hours, visibility drops, especially in areas without proper lighting.
Drivers may have trouble seeing pedestrians at intersections, in crosswalks, or along the side of the road. If you’re walking after dark, even in familiar neighborhoods, it’s a good idea to wear reflective clothing and stay on sidewalks when available.
Many of the pedestrian injury cases we’ve handled involve crashes that happen in the early evening. It’s a time when more people are out—commuters heading home, families walking their dogs, or people going out for dinner—and drivers may be tired or distracted after a long day.
Weekends Show Higher Accident Rates
Friday and Saturday evenings tend to see an increase in pedestrian accidents. These days often involve higher foot traffic around restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
Drivers may be in a hurry or under the influence of alcohol, and those conditions create a dangerous mix for people on foot.
Even if you’re walking in a crosswalk with the signal, you still need to keep an eye on approaching vehicles. We’ve worked with clients who were hit by drivers making left-hand turns or running red lights on weekend nights, where traffic rules were ignored during a moment of carelessness.
Nighttime And Alcohol Involvement
Nighttime also brings a higher rate of alcohol-related crashes. Whether it’s the driver, the pedestrian, or both, alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time.
While drivers have a responsibility to operate safely, impaired pedestrians are also at higher risk if they walk into traffic or fail to use crosswalks.
As experienced personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen how a single mistake at night can lead to serious injuries, hospital stays, and long-term consequences. These cases are often preventable, which is why timing and awareness are so important.
School Drop-Off Hours And Morning Commutes
While less frequent, accidents involving children tend to happen during school drop-off and pickup times.
Early morning traffic between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM can be just as dangerous as evening hours, especially in school zones. Drivers rushing to work or distracted by phones may not notice kids crossing the street. If you’re walking near a school during those times, use extra caution—even if you have the right of way.
Stay Safe And Know Your Rights
Pedestrian accidents often happen when drivers fail to watch for people on foot. Knowing when risk is highest can help you avoid dangerous situations, but if you’ve already been injured, you may be wondering what steps to take next.
At Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm, we help injured pedestrians recover the support they need to move forward. If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, our team can help you understand your legal options. Reach out today to talk about your situation and how we can assist you during a free case evaluation.