CARFAX: Fridays Pose Highest Risk for Car Accidents on U.S. Roads

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Jul 23, 2025, 08:02 ET

In At Least 43 States, More Accidents Take Place on Fridays Than on Any Other Day

CENTREVILLE, Va., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fridays are the riskiest day for car accidents for most U.S. drivers, according to new data from CARFAX. More accidents occur on Fridays than on any other day of the week in at least 43 states, with the end of the work week rush likely a contributing factor. By contrast, Sundays were the quietest on U.S. roads, with the fewest incidents reported in almost all states.

"Drivers need to stay vigilant anytime they're on the road," said Chief John Fisher of the Bedford, Mass., Police Department. "Law enforcement responds to thousands of crashes on Fridays, often due to heavy traffic, fatigue, and distracted or impaired driving. These incidents can cause major delays, damage, and serious injuries. While Saturdays see more fatalities, according to NHTSA, the sheer volume of Friday accidents makes it one of the most dangerous days to drive."

Mississippi saw the largest share of accidents happening on Friday, with over 18%. Other states where Friday saw the most accidents include California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan. In many of these road incidents, the vehicles involved sustained minor damage.

Highest Risk for Car Accidents on U.S. Roads

"Not all accidents are deal breakers for car shoppers," said Faisal Hasan, Vice President of Data Acquisition at CARFAX. "CARFAX has the most accident, damage, and service information. Reviewing the vehicle history report can help consumers assess details – from the point of impact on a car because of an accident to the damage severity. This gives buyers and sellers a clear picture of how these factors affect a vehicle's condition and value, which can help them make better informed decisions."

For the latest used car listings linked to a free CARFAX Vehicle History Report, visit Carfax.com or get the CARFAX app to shop New & Used Cars.

Editor's note: Percentages for the 'share of accidents' on the day the state has the most and least can be made available upon request. Interviews with a Carfax expert are available anytime. Please contact Em Nguyen at [email protected].

About CARFAX

CARFAX, part of S&P Global Mobility, helps millions of people every day confidently shop, buy, service and sell used cars with innovative solutions powered by CARFAX^® vehicle history information. The expert in vehicle history since 1984, CARFAX provides CARFAX Car Listings, CARFAX Car Care, CARFAX History-Based Value and the flagship CARFAX Vehicle History Report to consumers and the automotive industry. CARFAX owns the world's largest vehicle history database and is nationally recognized as a top workplace by The Washington Post. Shop, Buy, Service, Sell – Show me the CARFAX^®.

S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets.

SOURCE CARFAX