Road accidents continue to be a major concern in India, causing thousands of injuries and fatalities every year. To better understand driving patterns and road safety, Zuno General Insurance released the India Road Safety Report (IRSR) 2026, which highlights the safest and riskiest times to drive based on millions of real-world trips.

According to the report, the hour between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM is the riskiest time to be on the road, with driving safety scores dropping significantly during the late evening.

Late Evening Driving Carries Higher Risk

The study found that driving performance begins to decline after 8:00 PM, making nighttime journeys more challenging than those taken during the day. Reduced visibility, fatigue, and changing traffic conditions are among the factors that may contribute to higher road risks during these hours.

In contrast, the report identifies 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM as the time period associated with the highest driving safety scores, making it one of the safest times to travel by road.

The findings are based on telemetry data collected through the Zuno SmartDrive app, which analyzed 4.5 million trips covering more than 55 million kilometers across 17 Indian states.

Driving Habits Matter More Than Demographics

One of the report's key observations is that driving behavior plays a much bigger role in road safety than demographic factors. It notes that unsafe driving habits contribute to more than 80% of road accidents in India.

The findings suggest that responsible driving practices—such as maintaining safe speeds, avoiding distractions, and staying alert—can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Women Slightly Ahead in Driving Scores

The report also challenges the common perception that one gender is inherently better at driving than the other.

According to the telemetry data:

• Women recorded an average driving score of 92.86.

• Men followed closely with an average score of 92.43.

While women scored slightly higher on average, the difference was minimal, indicating that safe driving depends far more on individual driving habits than on gender.

The report reinforces a simple message: following traffic rules, staying focused, and practicing responsible driving are the most important factors in making Indian roads safer for everyone.