India’s Most Dangerous Driving Hour Identified as 9 PM–10 PM, Says Road Safety Report 2026
Women and Men Show Nearly Identical Driving Behaviour; Over 80% of Road Accidents Linked to Human Behaviour
Mumbai, June 24, 2026: India’s roads are most dangerous between 9 PM and 10 PM, while the safest driving period falls between 1 PM and 2 PM, according to the India Road Safety Report (IRSR) 2026 released by Zuno General Insurance.
The report, based on an extensive analysis of more than 4.5 million trips, covering over 55 million kilometres and involving data from 27,000 active users across 17 states, highlights the critical role of driving behaviour in determining road safety outcomes.
According to the study, behavioural patterns provide a more accurate assessment of road risk than demographic factors such as gender, emphasizing the need for behaviour-focused interventions to reduce accidents and fatalities on Indian roads.
9 PM–10 PM Emerges as the Riskiest Driving Window
The report found that driving performance remains relatively stable throughout most of the day but begins to decline significantly after 8 PM.
The period between 9 PM and 10 PM recorded the lowest average driving score of 86, making it the most hazardous hour for motorists. In contrast, the highest average score of 93 was recorded between 1 PM and 2 PM, identifying it as the safest time for driving.
Researchers noted that reduced visibility, driver fatigue, increased traffic violations, and lower levels of alertness during late evening hours may contribute to the increased risk.
Minimal Difference Between Male and Female Drivers
One of the report’s notable findings is the near-identical driving behaviour exhibited by men and women.
- Women recorded an average driving score of 92.86
- Men recorded an average driving score of 92.43
The findings challenge common stereotypes about gender-based driving habits and suggest that safe driving is influenced more by individual behaviour than by demographic characteristics.
Sudden Braking and Harsh Acceleration Remain Key Concerns
The report identified sudden braking and harsh acceleration as the weakest aspects of driving behaviour among Indian motorists.
- Sudden braking score: 87
- Harsh acceleration score: 91
These behaviours are often associated with increased accident risks and can indicate distracted driving, speeding, or poor anticipation of road conditions.
Weather Has Limited Impact on Driving Patterns
Interestingly, seasonal changes appeared to have only a limited influence on overall driving behaviour.
Average driving scores remained largely consistent during summer, monsoon, and winter seasons, suggesting that driver behaviour remains a more significant factor in road safety than weather conditions.
Human Behaviour Responsible for Majority of Road Accidents
The report estimates that more than 80% of road accidents in India are linked to behavioural factors, including:
- Overspeeding
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe overtaking
- Reckless manoeuvres
- Poor lane discipline
The findings underline the importance of combining awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement, technological monitoring, and safer driving incentives to improve road safety nationwide.
Road Safety Continues to Be a Major National Challenge
Commenting on the findings, Shanai Ghosh, Managing Director and CEO of Zuno General Insurance, said that road safety remains one of India’s most pressing public challenges, affecting lives, livelihoods, and economic productivity.
She noted that insights generated through the Zuno SmartDrive platform clearly demonstrate that road accidents are often driven by identifiable and measurable behavioural patterns. According to her, data-driven insights and technology can complement infrastructure development, law enforcement, and vehicle safety measures in creating safer roads across the country.
India’s Road Fatality Burden
India records approximately 1.73 lakh road fatalities annually, accounting for nearly 11% of global road deaths.
Road accidents are estimated to impose an economic burden equivalent to 3%–5% of India’s GDP.
The report further highlights that:
- Nearly two-thirds of road fatalities occur among people aged 18–45 years
- Two-wheeler riders account for 44% of all road deaths
- Pedestrians represent nearly 19% of fatalities
These figures underscore the disproportionate impact of road accidents on economically productive age groups and vulnerable road users.
Need for Coordinated Action
As India works towards fulfilling its commitment under the Stockholm Declaration to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030, the report stresses the need for coordinated efforts involving policymakers, law enforcement agencies, urban planners, insurers, automobile manufacturers, and road users.
The study concludes that improving infrastructure alone will not be sufficient. Creating greater awareness about driving behaviour and encouraging safer driving habits will be equally critical in reducing fatalities and making India’s roads safer.
Source: Zuno General Insurance – India Road Safety Report (IRSR) 2026
