It is dangerous to drive at night for a handful of reasons. Most obviously, there is reduced visibility late at night. Low visibility leads to an inability to see road hazards such as potholes, obstructions in the road, or even crossing animals. When it’s dark, drivers are also less likely to see incoming traffic or any pedestrians in the road for bicyclists that they may be sharing the road with. Lack of visibility can certainly lead to an increase in car accidents overall, even when you drive with adequate headlights and street lamps are on.
When it’s late at night, it’s also more difficult to see in bad weather, and ice typically forms in the late night cold. Hazards associated with inclement weather are often exacerbated in the night time, and having difficulty seeing does not help.
Unfortunately, there is also an increased amount of crime late at night, and some people drink and drive. There is a higher likelihood of joyriding, drunk driving, and other reckless behavior at night, and this can lead to an unexpected car accident occurring. Some people also are exhausted when they drive at night, and some truck drivers or tractor trailer operators may drive for ten or fifteen hours as they’re sharing the road with you. Late night hours often mean drowsy driving, which poses a risk to all.
If you have been involved in an accident while driving late at night, contact Church and Page car accident lawyers today. We will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve to recover from the damages associated with the accident.
What Can Drivers Do To Stay Safe Driving At Night?
There are many things a driver can do to stay safe at night. For one, try your best to avoid late night trips when it’s too dark out to see your hand in front of your face, although headlights are standard on all vehicles, some headlights simply aren’t strong enough to see far enough ahead to be safe.
If you do have to drive at night, take as much precaution as you can. Ensure that your headlights are working properly and always make sure your car inspection is up to date. Making sure your car equipment is up to safety standards is one of the best proactive measures you can take to ensure the safety of all people on the road.
Always make sure that you’re not over tired when driving at night. If you are driving for a long road trip, take enough breaks and make sure that you sleep enough hours to function at your best in the morning. Driving while over tired or exhausted often leads to accidents occurring in the nighttime, and this can be easily avoided if you take certain precautions. A cup of coffee or energy drink may help in the short run, but be careful of that dreaded “crash” that may leave you feeling more tired than alert.
Always be aware of your surroundings and be careful of reckless or negligent driving behavior. If another car around you appears to be driving while under the influence of a drug or alcohol, alert the authorities right away and keep a safe distance. Late night driving tends to be associated with an increase in driving under the influence, so be aware of increased risk factors like these while driving at night.
Is It Safer To Drive At Night Or In The Daytime?
It is considerably easier to drive in the daytime as there is increased visibility from the sunlight. When it’s easier to see, it’s easier to stay on top of hazards in the road, incoming traffic, pedestrians or bicyclists around, and other important things.
You should always avoid driving during late night hours if you can. It’s much safer to drive in the daylight hours, as there is increased visibility and a smaller likelihood of a car accident occurring. If you have been involved in a car accident in Washington, contact Church and Page today for a consultation.
Schedule A Free Car Accident Consultation With Church And Page Car Accident Lawyers Today
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Church and Page today if you or someone you love have experienced a car accident that occurred due to low visibility at night. In your free initial case evaluation, our attorneys will take the time to listen to the exact details of your accident case, and will listen to the medical issues or other damages you suffered as a result of the impact. By demonstrating the negligence of the other party successfully, you can win a settlement that covers the cost of your accident related medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.