Which day is deadliest on Delaware roads? Study uncovers most dangerous days to travel

With summer in full swing, many Delawareans and vacationers are taking advantage of the warm weather to travel, whether it’s to the beaches, parks, or throughout the state.
But if you're planning a weekend getaway, experts are urging caution — especially on Friday evenings.
A study by the injury law firm Bader Scott analyzed five years of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, covering the period from 2018 through 2022. Of the 605 fatal crashes recorded during that time, nearly one in five occurred on a Friday.
Wednesdays prove just as deadly as Sundays
While heavier weekend traffic, including out-of-state travelers passing through Delaware on I-95 or Route 1, may contribute to the higher number of incidents, the study also identified a midweek concern.
Wednesdays were just as deadly as Sundays, each accounting for 91 fatal crashes (15.04%). Monday, on the other hand, saw the fewest fatal incidents during the study period.
Fatalities drop despite previous patterns
Despite these findings, recent numbers suggest an encouraging trend. According to the latest publicly available figures, total roadway fatalities in Delaware are down by 28% compared to 2024 — a positive trend that was seen in 2023 and has continued steadily into this summer.
As drivers head out to enjoy the rest of summer, transportation officials urge drivers to remain vigilant — especially during peak travel times. They encourage motorists to avoid distractions, wear seat belts and steer clear of high-traffic periods when possible.
Visit DelDOT's traffic fatalities dashboard to keep track of 2025 fatal crash data.
You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.