Once the sun sets, driving becomes more dangerous. According to the National Safety Council, the risk of a deadly vehicle condition is three times higher at night. It’s important for divers to recognize that there is a bigger risk to driving at night and to take more caution when they are on the road. Failure to use more caution on the road at night can make a driver liable for causing an accident.
Here are some of the most common road conditions that can severely impact our driving at night:
Poor Visibility at Night
Once the sun sets, we begin to have limited visibility on the road, which means we have less time to react to unexpected situations. Most drivers have difficulty seeing other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and traffic lights when driving at night. As we get older, our vision is more likely to decline. If you’re having difficulty seeing at night, always get your vision checked by an eye doctor.
Increased Traffic at Night
Busy traffic times can increase your chances of getting into an accident. Congested roads, stop-and-go driving conditions, and other eager drivers rushing to get home will require your full attention on the road. If you’re driving in rush hour traffic, especially at night, remember to stay alert, calm, and give yourself enough space between you and the car in front of you.
Active Construction Zones
Construction zones can become particularly hazardous at night. They are high traffic areas, with large trucks entering and exiting, changes in traffic patterns, active workers in the road, and new signs that we need to pay attention to. The most important step you can take as a driver on the road at night is to slow down when you see signs of a construction zone. This will help your eyes adjust to the low light, and it’ll be easier to read signs and follow new traffic patterns.
Handling Headlight Glare
Drivers can be impacted by the oncoming glare of headlights from thousands of feet away from them. If you’re worried about not being able to see after a vehicle with bright headlights has passed, make sure you proceed with caution, slow down, and avoid looking directly at the headlights. You may also find shifting your eyes to the right edge of the road to be helpful.
If you find yourself involved in an accident at night, please contact 4N6XPRT Systems. We can provide you with the tools you need for an auto accident reconstruction.