When Are Collision Centers the Busiest? Understanding Peak Times for Auto Repairs
At Craft Collision, we know that accidents are never convenient. However, certain times of the year see a noticeable increase in collisions, making these periods particularly busy for auto repair shops. Understanding when these peak times occur can help you plan ahead, whether you need repairs or want to avoid the risks that lead to accidents. Here’s a look at when collision centers like ours experience the most traffic.
1. Winter Weather Woes
Why It’s Busy: Winter is notorious for being one of the busiest seasons for collision centers. Snow, ice, and freezing rain create hazardous driving conditions, leading to a spike in accidents. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and inexperienced drivers in winter weather all contribute to increased collisions.
How to Prepare: If you must drive during winter storms, take precautions like reducing speed, increasing following distance, and ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready with proper tires and functioning brakes.
2. Holiday Rush
Why It’s Busy: The holiday season, particularly around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, is another peak time for accidents. With more people traveling long distances to visit family and friends, the roads become more congested. Stress, fatigue, and sometimes impaired driving also contribute to the higher number of accidents during this time.
How to Prepare: Plan your travel ahead of time, avoid peak traffic hours, and ensure you’re well-rested before hitting the road. Consider leaving a day earlier or later than the majority to avoid the rush.
3. Back-to-School and Fall Frenzy
Why It’s Busy: September marks the return of school for many, which means more traffic, especially during morning and afternoon school runs. The increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic, combined with drivers adjusting to new routines, leads to a higher rate of fender benders and accidents.
How to Prepare: Stay vigilant in school zones, obey all posted speed limits, and be extra cautious during drop-off and pick-up times. Plan your commute to avoid these peak hours if possible.
4. Summer Travel Season
Why It’s Busy: Summer is a time for road trips, vacations, and outdoor activities, resulting in more vehicles on the road. With this increase in traffic, there’s also a rise in collisions, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. In addition, the heat can take a toll on vehicles, leading to more mechanical failures that contribute to accidents.
How to Prepare: Before heading out on a long trip, make sure your vehicle is in top condition. Regularly check tire pressure, fluid levels, and brakes, and plan routes that avoid the most congested areas.
5. Rainy Spring Days
Why It’s Busy: Spring showers may bring flowers, but they also bring slippery roads and reduced visibility, leading to more accidents. In regions where winter has left behind potholes, the combination of rain and road damage can create even more hazardous driving conditions.
How to Prepare: Slow down during rain, turn on your headlights, and increase your following distance. Be cautious of puddles, which can lead to hydroplaning, and report large potholes to local authorities.
6. Post-Work Rush Hour
Why It’s Busy: Every weekday, from about 4 PM to 7 PM, is a peak time for collisions. As people rush home from work, tired and eager to beat the traffic, they often take more risks, leading to a higher chance of accidents.
How to Prepare: If possible, adjust your work schedule to avoid peak traffic hours. If you must drive during rush hour, practice defensive driving, stay patient, and avoid aggressive maneuvers.