Youi data reveals Australia's most dangerous hour to drive

Australia's afternoon traffic commute is proving to be the most dangerous hour of the day. New research reveals 3pm is a major road safety pressure point that is resulting in more accidents, with nearly half of all Aussies behind the wheel to run errands or pick up kids while battling distraction and fatigue. The findings come from Youi's Project 3PM report, which surveyed more than 2000 Australian drivers to uncover the chaotic state of our roads during the afternoon peak. According to Youi, internal claims data revealed 3pm was the worst hour of the day for road incidents. According to Youi, 3pm is the worst hour of the day for road incidents. Picture: NewsWire /Bianca De Marchi MORE: EV boom killing the Aussie economy It found 48 per cent of Australians are on the road around 3pm on at least three weekdays each week. Shopping was the most common reason, cited by 40 per cent of respondents, followed by appointments at 29 per cent, work travel at 24 per cent, commuting home at 22 per cent, and school pick-up at 17 per cent. Suburbs with the most claims at 3pm. Picture: Youi But the pressure to get somewhere on time is translating directly into riskier behaviour behind the wheel. The majority of drivers surveyed (62 per cent) admitted to engaging in risky driving behaviours when running late. Those behaviours included changing lanes more frequently, accelerating through amber lights, and exceeding the speed limit. Four in 10 Australians, particularly parents of school-aged children, reported feeling too fatigued or mentally drained to fully concentrate around 3pm. Youi head of product vehicle and lifestyle Marni Jackson said the research shows the 3pm afternoon commute is more than a simple traffic congestion. Getting places on time is what's fuelling riskier driving behaviour. Picture: NewsWire / James Gourley 'The research shows 3pm isn't just another busy traffic period. It's the point in the day where work, family and household responsibilities all converge, creating a unique pressure point for drivers,' Ms Jackson said. 'What's particularly concerning is that respondents reporting higher levels of pressure were more likely to report risky driving behaviours behind the wheel. 'When people are feeling rushed, fatigued or trying to get to their next commitment on time, they're more likely to make risky decisions on the road. MORE: 'Flabbergasted': EV driver hit by 'no sense' fee Multiple car crash on Charters Towers Road. Picture: Shae Beplate. 'The reality is that 3pm isn't simply a traffic problem. It's a pressure problem.' ARROGANT DRIVERS The research also showed how Australians can be a little arrogant when it comes to their driving style compared to others. A staggering 84 per cent of drivers rated their own driving as safe during the 3pm rush, while just 42 per cent believed other drivers were safe. It also showed that younger drivers are particularly prone to bad driving habits, reporting high levels of impatience, frequent lane changing, and taking shortcuts when under time pressure. As a result, Gen Z drivers recorded the highest incident rate at 42 per cent, followed by Millennials at 30 per cent. 'The safest decision during the 3pm rush is often made before the engine even starts.' Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper MORE: Musk weighs in on huge Aus EV moment Road Sense Australia CEO Michael Fitzgibbons said recognising pressure before getting behind the wheel could help drivers make safer decisions. 'When work, family and school pick-up pressures all converge, stress and distraction can quickly follow and influence driver behaviour,' Mr Fitzgibbons said. 'Recognising where your attention is focused before the ignition starts is one of the simplest ways drivers can improve safety. 'Simple actions such as planning ahead, reducing distractions, putting your phone away and allowing extra travel time can make a meaningful difference. 'The safest decision during the 3pm rush is often made before the engine even starts.' James Chung Motoring Journalist James Chung is a motoring journalist for News Corp Australia. A car enthusiast with an eye for the latest tech and trends, James also has an eye for all things two-wheeled, including motorcycles and e-bikes. James reviews many of the freshest cars on sale, and reports on news of all kinds in the automotive space.