India Road Safety Report 2026: 9 PM to 10 PM Emerges as India’s Riskiest Driving Hour

Lucknow, June 24, 2026: Zuno General Insurance has released the India Road Safety Report 2026, revealing that the period between 9 PM and 10 PM is the riskiest driving hour in the country. The report also found that women and men display nearly identical driving behavior, challenging common assumptions about road safety and driving patterns.

The study analyzed more than 4.5 million trips, 55 million kilometres of driving data, and insights from over 27,000 active users of the Zuno SmartDrive app across 17 states.

According to the report, driving behavior plays a much bigger role in road safety than demographic factors such as age or gender.

India Road Safety Report 2026 Highlights Importance of Driving Behaviour

The India Road Safety Report 2026 emphasizes that road safety depends largely on how people drive rather than who they are.

Researchers found that risky driving habits such as sudden braking, harsh acceleration, speeding, and distraction contribute significantly to road accidents.

Moreover, the report notes that behavioral factors account for more than 80% of road accidents in India. As a result, experts believe that awareness campaigns, enforcement measures, and technology-driven interventions can help reduce fatalities.

Women and Men Show Similar Driving Scores

One of the most notable findings of the report is the minimal difference between male and female drivers.

• Women recorded an average driving score of 92.86
• Men recorded an average driving score of 92.43

The small gap indicates that gender has little influence on overall driving behavior when compared with individual driving habits.

9 PM to 10 PM Identified as India’s Most Dangerous Driving Hour

The report found a clear pattern in driving behavior throughout the day.

Riskiest Driving Hour

The period between 9 PM and 10 PM recorded the lowest average driving score of 86, making it the riskiest time to drive in India.

Driving scores remained relatively stable during most daytime hours. However, they declined sharply after 8 PM.

Experts believe reduced visibility, driver fatigue, higher speeds, and lower traffic enforcement during late evening hours may contribute to riskier behavior.

Safest Driving Hour

In contrast, the period between 1 PM and 2 PM recorded the highest average driving score of 93.

The findings suggest that motorists generally display safer driving habits during daylight hours.

Sudden Braking and Harsh Acceleration Remain Major Concerns

The report also identified specific driving behaviors that require attention.

Weakest Driving Parameters

Among all driving indicators, the lowest scores were recorded for:

• Sudden Braking: 87
• Harsh Acceleration: 91

These behaviors increase accident risks because they reduce reaction time and create unpredictable situations for other road users.

Consequently, experts recommend greater driver education and the use of technology-based monitoring tools to improve driving habits.

Seasonal Weather Has Limited Impact on Driving Behaviour

Unlike common perceptions, seasonal changes did not significantly affect driving performance.

The India Road Safety Report 2026 found that average driving scores remained largely consistent during:

• Summer
• Monsoon
• Winter

This finding suggests that driving behavior has a stronger influence on road safety outcomes than weather conditions alone.

India’s Road Safety Challenge Remains Significant

India continues to face one of the world’s largest road safety challenges.

Road Fatalities Remain High

According to the report:

• India records approximately 1.73 lakh road fatalities every year.
• The country accounts for nearly 11% of global road deaths.
• Road accidents create an economic burden equal to 3% to 5% of GDP.

These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger road safety measures.

Young Adults Most Affected

The report shows that nearly two-thirds of road accident fatalities occur among people aged 18 to 45 years.

As a result, road crashes continue to impact India’s workforce, productivity, and economic growth.

Vulnerable Road Users Face Greater Risk

The study also highlights the risks faced by vulnerable road users.

• Two-wheeler riders account for 44% of road fatalities.
• Pedestrians account for nearly 19% of deaths.

These numbers underline the need for safer roads, better infrastructure, and improved traffic management systems.

Technology Can Help Build Safer Roads

Commenting on the findings, Shanai Ghosh, MD and CEO of Zuno General Insurance, said that road accidents often result from measurable driving patterns.

She noted that data, technology, and behavioral insights can complement improvements in infrastructure, vehicle safety, and law enforcement.

According to Ghosh, encouraging safer driving habits can significantly improve road safety outcomes across the country.

India Targets 50% Reduction in Road Deaths by 2030

India has committed to the goals outlined in the Stockholm Declaration, which aims to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030.

To achieve this objective, experts believe the country must focus on:

Stronger Enforcement

Consistent enforcement of traffic laws can discourage risky behavior and improve compliance.

Better Infrastructure

Safer roads, improved lighting, and enhanced pedestrian facilities can reduce accident risks.

Behaviour-Led Interventions

Awareness campaigns, driver education programs, and telematics-based monitoring can help change driving habits over time.

The India Road Safety Report 2026 offers valuable insights into how driving behavior influences road safety across the country. While infrastructure and enforcement remain important, the report clearly shows that safer driving habits can play a decisive role in reducing accidents and saving lives.

As India works toward its 2030 road safety goals, data-driven interventions, technology adoption, and greater public awareness will remain key to creating safer roads for everyone.

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