Car crash report identifies worst time of the week to drive

According to the 2025 AAMI Crash Index, Friday afternoons are the worst times on the road, with the highest amount of collision claims filed for that time period.

Afternoons in general are the less favourable times of any given day, the report found, which analysed over 480,000 claims across the country.

There are a few reasons for this specific time and day, AAMI Motor Prevention Manager Mary Kennedy told Drive.

It may not necessarily be due to the amount of cars on the road, as other days of the week can be just as busy, rather “people are heading off for the weekend, so maybe they're transitioning from the working week into the weekend,” Kennedy said.

“They may be a bit fatigued by the end of the week, and thinking about what they've got coming up for the weekend.”

After Friday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are tied for the next worst days of the week on the road.

“Distraction plays a role in preventable accidents, and maybe they're a bit distracted behind the wheel. Maybe they're rushing, or not seeing things that might occur really quickly, and not having adequate time to respond,” Kennedy told Drive.

Aside from time of day, the report suggests that nationally, the worst drivers are aged 35-44 and 65-plus, both at 16 per cent, closely followed by 25-34 and 45-54 age groups at 14 per cent.

“Regardless of what day of the week it is, an accident could happen to anyone at any time. So always be concentrating on the task at hand, getting to your destination safely, sticking to the speed limit, and leaving enough of a gap between yourself and the car in front of you,” Kennedy said.

Ilana is a Melbourne-based journalist who was previously a copywriter in the Big Apple. Having moved to Melbourne for her Master of Journalism, she has written articles about food, farm machinery, fashion, and now the fast and furious. Her dream car has been a Mini Cooper since the fifth grade, eyeing its style and petite size.

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