Why are Friday afternoons in December the most dangerous time on the road?

Winter weather is partly to blame for November, December and January being the top three months for collisions in Canada.

But Friday afternoons in December? Those are the most dangerous of the lot.

That’s according to Allstate Canada insurance claims analyzed over the last two years.

The data point to a few factors: stress from work near the end of the year, excitement to start the weekend, holiday preparations, fewer daylight hours and more.

Half of all incidents occur in the afternoon, between noon and 6 p.m.

And the three most common reasons for making a collision-related claim are due to rear-end crashes, hitting a parked car, and changing lanes.

“A collision very often occurs when two people make a mistake,” said André Durocher, the director of community relations and road safety at CAA-Québec. “Let’s say you’re getting close to an intersection where the other party perpendicular to you has a stop sign and they don’t stop. If you’re aware and you can see that they’re not stopping because you scan your environment constantly, maybe you could brake even though it’s not for you to brake and you could avoid a collision.

“So always have 100 per cent of your attention concentrated on the road.”

A recent report by Le Devoir, which reviewed various coroner’s investigations, found that since 2021, 28 people died on Quebec roads because their vehicles had non-compliant or overly worn winter tires.

While not all provinces mandate winter tires, Quebec does. Vehicles must be equipped with them from Dec. 1 to March 15, or drivers could face fines.

“By talking about it, hopefully you’ll be aware,” Durocher said. “I’m not passing any judgement, there are some sad situations we see out there. But I think it’s your life that depends on it and the life of others.”

Drivers are encouraged to adjust their routines throughout the winter, properly clean snow and ice off their vehicles, and slow down and keep a safe distance from others, among other things.

CityNews spoke to some Montreal to hear their thoughts on the report, and to find out about their driving habits.

Niaz Oliazadeh: “I feel like every day is dangerous because it is slippery, people are in a rush sometimes. I can see that when the ground is a bit more slippery, if they don’t pay attention, it’s going to be difficult.

“I don’t go fast. I go as fast as I’m comfortable controlling the car and I think that’s a good thing to do.”

Dave: “I drive with caution within the speed limit and with correct tires.

“I guess everyone’s rushing to get home after work. They speed too much and they cut in and out of lanes, which is unsafe.

“I decide on the weather if I’m going to go out or not, if I’m going to drive or not. Like if it’s icy, I won’t go out.”

Jean-Claude Couture: “At the age that we’re at, my spouse and I, we leave the house a lot less.”