National patterns in nighttime driving exposure: Evidence from a three-year probability-based survey

Driving at night increases crash risks due to reduced visibility, higher speeds from lighter traffic, and greater chances of impaired or drowsy driving. However, current literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of nighttime drivers' demographics, reasons for driving at night, and the link between nighttime exposure and crash risk.

Using the 2021-2023 American Driving Survey (ADS), this study examines nighttime driving exposure among U.S. drivers by age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, employment, region, and residence type. The analysis measures average daily nighttime trips, minutes, and miles driven per driver and explores trip purposes across demographic groups. Additionally, this study assesses nighttime fatality risks by age, gender, and region using Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data combined with ADS exposure estimates.

Findings show that drivers under 65, males, those with lower education levels, and residents of the Midwest, South, and West had higher nighttime driving exposure. Commuting, errands, and social trips were the primary purposes of nighttime driving. Nighttime fatality risks were generally higher for young and middle-aged male drivers and those in the Midwest, South, and West.

These findings provide a foundation for evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at improving nighttime road safety for all road users, including enhancing road infrastructure in communities with high nighttime travel, and optimizing resource allocation.