When it comes to safe driving, you probably already know some of the basic tips: eliminate distractions, drive defensively, and never drink and drive.
However, many of us forget that the time of day can also impact the dangers you may face and increase your chances of getting into a car accident. Below, we detail some of the dangers of nighttime driving and how to stay safe.
Why Driving at Night Is More Dangerous
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you are three times more likely to get into a fatal car accident at night than you are during the daytime. There are a few inherent dangers of driving at night that you should be aware of. These include:
- Hindered Visibility. Without light from the sun, there is less visibility on the road and driver’s may have compromised depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision. Headlight glare from oncoming traffic can also temporarily blind drivers.
- Compromised Night Vision. Night vision is the ability to see in low-light conditions, and this ability decreases with age. According to the American Optometric Association, a 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year-old.
- Fatigue. Sleepy drivers are more likely to be on the road during the nighttime. Startlingly, a recent National Sleep Foundation poll found 60% of adults have driven while they were tired, and another 37%, or 103 million people, have fallen asleep at the wheel.
- Impaired Drivers. Drivers under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or even prescription medications are more frequently on the road after dark, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), particularly between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. on weekends.
How to Avoid Drowsy Driving and Stay Safe
The good news is that there are steps that you can take to stay safe, despite the risk factors of driving at night. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Reduce your speed and increase your buffer window.
- Always use your headlights.
- Use high beams when appropriate.
- Have annual vision exams.
- Clean your windows to prevent blinding glares.
- Get seven or more hours of sleep a night to avoid drowsiness.
- Don't drive if you've been awake for 16 hours or more.
- If you are yawning or nodding off while driving, pull over and take a nap.
If you have been injured in a drowsy driving accident, the Los Angeles car accident attorneys at Effres & Effres are here to stand in your corner and advocate for your rights. With over $300 million recovered for our clients and over 30 years of legal experience, we know what it takes to win in and out of court and will stand beside you in your time of need.
Contact our team at (818) 222-9720 to get started with a free case review today!