Matthew Mincone | September 25, 2025 | Car Accident
There is always a chance that you will be struck by a negligent or reckless driver in Tampa whenever you take to the roads. However, your risk is greater at certain times than others. This is because some of the circumstances that contribute to wrecks, like light, weather, and traffic volume, change throughout the day.
Knowing the time of day when crashes are most likely to occur helps you prepare for a safe trip, regardless of how far away your destination is. This knowledge can also help you remain patient and calm on the road, avoiding reckless or impulsive actions that can lead to an accident.
When Do Crashes Happen Most in Tampa, According to the Data?
Last year, over 26,000 traffic accidents were reported in Hillsborough County, which was less than the 27,000-plus wrecks reported in 2023. Nearly 19,000 people were hurt in motor vehicle accidents that year, and 230 others were killed.
Although county-specific data is not available, statewide statistics taken from 2023 show when a majority of accidents tended to happen:
- Monday: A total of 136,531 wrecks occurred on Mondays in Florida. Starting at 2:00 p.m. and continuing through 7:00 p.m. was when the greatest number of accidents occurred. However, most fatal crashes happened between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: The most dangerous hours to be on a Florida road on Tuesday in 2023 were between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., when over 40,000 accidents happened.
- Wednesday: On Wednesdays, the hour with the greatest number of crashes was the 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. hour, although elevated numbers of crashes happened throughout the evening rush hour.
- Thursday: The number of traffic crashes in Florida that occurred on Thursdays tended to climb throughout the morning and early afternoon. However, there is a significant increase in the number of wrecks beginning at and lasting until approximately 6:00 p.m.
- Friday: Of all the days of the week, Friday had the greatest number of accidents. Like other weekdays, the number of crashes climbs steadily through the day. However, 3:00 p.m. saw the highest with a maximum of over 10,000 accidents.
- Saturday: Saturday had fewer traffic accidents compared to Friday, and these accidents tended to be spread out more than on other days. Beginning at 11:00 a.m., there was a maximum of 7,000 crashes until approximately 8:00 p.m. The greatest number of fatal wrecks happened between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Approximately 107,837 traffic crashes happened throughout Florida on Sundays, with 7,142 of them happening between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The number of accidents remained elevated until about 8 p.m., when the number began to drop.
Traffic crash data shows that while accidents can occur at any time, certain days and hours pose greater risks for Tampa drivers.
What Traffic Statistics Say About When Accidents Happen
Even though the statistics referenced above are taken from statewide data, they do show that the evening commute from work during the week is consistently one of the most dangerous times for crashes. Not only are a large number of people leaving work around the same time, but many of them are likely rushed, tired, and distracted by what they need to do at home.
The data also shows that crashes happen at all hours of the day and night; there is no time of any day when accidents are not reported. While you should pay particular attention to those times when more accidents tend to happen, there is never a time when you can let your guard down when driving.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Traffic data makes it clear that while crashes in Tampa can happen at any time, certain periods—like weekday rush hours and weekend evenings—present heightened risks. Factors such as heavy traffic, driver fatigue, and distractions all play a role in these dangerous windows.
Still, no hour of the day is entirely free from accidents, which is why every driver must stay alert and cautious behind the wheel. If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck, a Tampa car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
To learn more, reach out to Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
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About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL
