Riskiest States for Driving During Sunrise & Sunset

Sunrises and sunsets may be a photographer's dream, but for drivers, they can quickly turn into nightmares. Low-angle sunlight reduces visibility, and breathtaking views can distract even the most cautious motorists. To uncover the true risks, we analyzed accident data from across the U.S. to find the most dangerous states and cities for driving during golden hour and morning glare. We also surveyed drivers and truckers to gather their experiences and insights on staying safe during these challenging times.

Key Takeaways

• Accidents are 1.3x more likely to happen during morning glare than golden hour.
• South Carolina is the most dangerous state and Miami is the most dangerous city to drive in during morning glare/golden hour.
• Vermont is the safest state for driving during morning glare/golden hour.
• 53% of drivers are distracted by sunsets. Over 1 in 10 (14%) have been so distracted by a sunrise or sunset that they drifted into another lane.
• 50% of drivers have difficulty seeing other vehicles or pedestrians during morning glare/golden hour.
• Nearly 1 in 5 truckers (18%) have been in an accident during morning glare/golden hour.

Hazards of Morning Glare and Golden Hour Driving by State

Driving during morning glare or golden hour can be more dangerous than many realize. With low-angle sunlight diminishing visibility, these times of day present heightened risks, particularly for commuters navigating sunrise and sunset.

When looking at accident data, South Carolina stood out as the most dangerous state for both morning glare and golden hour driving. South Carolina, one of the sunniest states in the U.S., had the highest rate of accidents during these times, with 88.2 per capita during morning glare and 74.9 during golden hour. Two other sunny southern states — Virginia and Florida — ranked next for morning glare accidents, with 50.9 and 50.8 accidents per capita, respectively.

​​Accidents were 1.3 times more likely to occur during morning glare than during golden hour. The top 10 most dangerous states for morning glare driving by accidents per capita are:

1. South Carolina (88.2)
2. Virginia (50.9)
3. Florida (50.8)
4. Montana (49.1)
5. California (46.7)
6. Louisiana (35.8)
7. Minnesota (35.6)
8. Pennsylvania (32.9)
9. Maryland (31.3)
10. Tennessee (31.2)

For golden hour, these are the top 10 most dangerous states by accidents per capita:

1. South Carolina (74.9)
2. Virginia (46.3)
3. Florida (45.8)
4. Montana (39.8)
5. California (38.2)
6. North Carolina (38.1)
7. Oregon (26.1)
8. Alabama (24.1)
9. Louisiana (23.8)
10. Arizona (21.3)

Vermont was the safest state for driving in morning glare and golden hour, with the lowest accident rates during these periods.

Sunny Danger Zones for City Drivers

While certain states stand out for their high accident rates during golden hour and morning glare, individual cities also show significant variations in driving safety during these times. Some cities are particularly treacherous, while others are surprisingly safer.

One of the worst U.S. cities to drive in, Miami, Florida, has the unfortunate title of the most dangerous city for driving during golden hour and morning glare. High accident rates make navigating these times of day particularly risky for motorists.

On the other hand, several cities reported far fewer accidents during these challenging driving conditions. The safest cities for golden hour driving are:

1. Chicago, Illinois
2. Albuquerque, New Mexico
3. Mesa, Arizona

The safest cities for driving during morning glare are:

1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
2. Chicago, Illinois
3. San Francisco, California 

Sunlight Distractions and Dangers Behind the Wheel

Driving during golden hour and morning glare doesn't just make it harder to see—it can lead to some serious distractions. Many drivers find themselves battling not only the sun but also their own attention as they navigate the road during these visually striking times.

Over 1 in 10 Americans (14%) admitted they got distracted by the scenery during sunrise or sunset and drifted into another lane. Sunsets, in particular, proved to be a distraction for 53% of drivers, who found their focus shifting from the road to the sky. But it's not just the view that caused problems — 67% of drivers experienced impaired visibility or temporary blindness from the sun

Accidents were also a common sight, with 1 in 10 Americans witnessing a car accident during these times of the day. Additionally, 50% of drivers reported having difficulty seeing other vehicles or pedestrians, increasing the risk of collisions when the sun is most blinding.

Truck drivers, who spend countless hours on the road, also face significant challenges during golden hour and morning glare. These professionals, responsible for navigating large vehicles under difficult conditions, reported several struggles and shared how they reduce the risks.

Almost a quarter of truckers (22%) admitted to drifting into another lane due to distractions from golden hour or morning glare, while 60% said they experienced temporary blindness caused by the sun. Nearly 1 in 5 truckers (18%) had been involved in accidents during these times of day. Truckers said they use several strategies to combat these risks, including:

1. Wearing sunglasses to reduce glare.
2. Using the sun visor for better shading.
3. Adjusting driving speed to match conditions.
4. Keeping extra distance between vehicles.
5. Installing polarized window tints to further block harmful sun rays.

By incorporating these precautions, truckers aim to reduce the hazards of driving under intense sunlight to ensure both their safety and that of others on the road.

Staying Safe During the Sun's Most Beautiful Moments

Golden hour and morning glare might offer stunning views, but they also come with significant risks for drivers. From the high accident rates in South Carolina and Miami to the number of distractions caused by sunsets, it's clear that the beauty of these moments can often overshadow the dangers.

However, everyday drivers and truckers can navigate these challenging conditions by taking simple precautions like wearing sunglasses, using visors, and adjusting driving habits. As awareness grows about the hidden risks of driving during golden hour, the hope is that fewer accidents will occur during these picturesque yet sometimes perilous moments.

Methodology

We analyzed a nationwide car accident dataset from 49 U.S. states, covering February 2016 to March 2023, using data from APIs that stream traffic incidents from sources like U.S. and state transportation departments, law enforcement, and traffic cameras/sensors. Accidents from 2022 through March 2023 were filtered, with morning glare defined as 6:00-7:30 a.m. and golden hour as 5:30-6:30 p.m.; these times may vary by season and location. We also surveyed 1,000 drivers and 100 truckers to assess the impact of these conditions on driving.

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