As drivers, we know that driving at night comes with higher risks than those we face during the day. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, traffic fatality rates are three times higher at night than during the day.
Reduced visibility, impaired drivers, and fatigue are just a few of the risks that make driving at night particularly dangerous.
Because we want to make our community safer and hopefully help you avoid being hurt in a crash at night, the trial attorneys of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have provided the following safety tips to help keep you safe.
Tips for Driving At Night
To make sure that you make it to your destination safely when driving at night, be sure to keep these tips in mind:
- Keep your windshield and headlights clean. Make sure to clean your windshield inside and out before driving at night. Because headlight glare can obscure your vision, remove any dirt and dust from both the outside and inside of your windshield. You should also make sure your headlights are clean to ensure the optimum illumination of the road in front of you.
- Increase your following distance. Reduced visibility at night could make it more difficult for you to see cars in front of you, so be sure to avoid tailgating to avoid a rear-end collision. You can use your headlights to gauge the distance between your car and the one in front of you.
- Reduce your speed. Excessive speed is a major cause of collisions, particularly at night. If something unexpected happens – a car pulling out in front of you suddenly, an abrupt lane change, a deer running out into the road, etc. – at night, you might not have time to react and avoid a collision if you are driving too fast.
- Avoid distractions. When driving at night, 100% of your attention should be focused on the road and the task at hand. Avoid talking on the phone, texting, entering info into GPS systems or apps, adjusting the music, or eating or drinking. Anything that takes your attention away from driving could lead to a severe or possibly fatal crash.
- Never drive when fatigued. Failing to get enough rest before driving at night is a recipe for disaster. Driving during normal sleeping hours could impact your alertness, and it is far too easy to doze off while behind the wheel.
- Don’t drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts the driver and others at risk. If you consume alcohol and get behind the wheel at night, the combined visual and cognitive impairments could result in a devastating collision.
Hurt in a Car Crash at Night? Call Us for Help
Were you hurt in a collision at night? Did a driver who was distracted, fatigued, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent cause the crash? If so, turn to the Huntsville car accident attorneys of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., for help.
We will be ready to fight for you and hold the person responsible accountable for their poor decisions. Call us, fill out a contact form, or chat with us live to schedule a free consultation with us. We are available 24/7 to assist you, so don’t hesitate to reach out right away.
