Millions of people suffer from auto accidents every year, thousands of which can lead to serious medical conditions and deaths. Auto accidents can happen at any time of the day. It’s estimated that nearly half of all auto accident deaths happen during the night.
Driving at night is inherently dangerous, but there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of nighttime auto accidents. Here’s what you should know:
Low visibility
Drivers will have lower visibility at night. People have natural night vision, but this often isn’t enough to spot obstacles. Using a phone or having a light on in the car may reduce drivers’ natural night vision. Drivers who have their front lights on and drive on well-lit streets may have a higher chance of avoiding auto accidents.
Speeding
Traffic is typically nonexistent at night. Many drivers may drive for long stretches of highway before seeing other cars. This may lead some drivers to speed. Speeding lowers drivers’ ability to control their vehicles and stop them before a collision.
Drunk driving
Alcohol impairs drivers’ senses, which can cause auto accidents. Drivers could have impaired vision, focus and judgment after consuming alcohol. There may be more drivers at night after bars close.
Drowsiness
Many people don’t realize that driving while drowsy may be just as bad as drunk driving. Drowsiness has many similar effects as drunkenness. Drivers are more likely to be tired at night after long work hours and trips.
Weather
Heavy rain, snow and fog are dangerous during the day. However, these weather conditions may be worse at night because they can also obscure drivers’ visibility.
It can help drivers to learn about their legal rights if they become victims of an auto accident.
