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Friday phenomenon
Muscle & Fitness, Oct, 2006 by Dwayne Jackson
Thank God it's Friday! It's a phrase we all take to heart, as Friday signifies the end of the workweek and the start of the weekend for most Americans. But as you're leaving work on Friday afternoon, you should be thinking about more than just your weekend plans. How about driving safety? It may be the last thing on your mind, but safety really should be the first--especially during Friday rush-hour traffic, one of the most dangerous times on the road.
One Canadian study reported that the number of accidents involving injuries is greater on Friday between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. than at any other time of the week. Researchers referred to this as "the Friday afternoon phenomenon," and attributed it to the fact that the number of drivers displaying a greater number of hazardous behaviors at this time is about double that of any other day of the week.
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The Friday afternoon phenomenon is also applicable to drivers in the United States; a study from Progressive Insurance Co. found that more car crashes happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday than at any other time and day of the week. The nationwide study analyzed more than 1 million auto crashes reported to the company by its customers and others for six months, from January to June 2003. For other crashing facts from the study, see "Crash Test Dummies."
CRASH COURSE
Fridays can be dangerous, particularly on North American roadways during rush hour. Keep safety in mind and watch out for hazards when you're heading off into the sunset this weekend.
RELATED ARTICLE: CRASH TEST DUMMIES
The Progressive Insurance Co. study also revealed the following information about automobile accidents:
* Friday is the day most crashes occur. In fact, it accounted for about 16% of all crashes reported. This is followed by Saturday, with about 15%.
* Monday has the most morning rush-hour crashes. More reported crashes occur on Monday between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., followed by the same times on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
* Friday is the day most afternoon rush-hour crashes occur. More reported crashes happen on Friday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., followed by Thursday and Tuesday.
* The fewest accidents occur on Thursdays between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. This is followed by Tuesday and Wednesday at the same time.
* During daylight hours, the fewest numbers of crashes occur between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
* On weekends, more crashes occur between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. on Saturdays than on any other day at this time.
* Wednesday is the day that the least number of lunch-time crashes (from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) occur. This is followed by Thursday and Tuesday.
* More than twice as many car crashes occur on Friday evenings (from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) than on Saturday mornings (from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.).
* Most Sunday crashes occur between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
* The fewest crashes occur on Sundays between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.
BY DWAYNE JACKSON, PHD
M&F Senior Science Editor JIM STOPPANI, PHD
COPYRIGHT 2006 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group
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