Helpful Hints for Night Driving

February 26, 2021
dhdlaw

Driving at night is dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the passenger vehicle occupant fatality rate at nighttime is about three times higher than the daytime rate. Furthermore, during nighttime, among passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes, alcohol involvement, speeding, and single-­vehicle crash fatalities were all higher when compared to daytime.

The primary reason, of course, is that you just can’t see as well or as far ahead during the night. If you’ve been involved in a night-driving accident, a Bethlehem accident attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis can help.

How Do I Drive Safely at Night?

There is no way to artificially light up the night to daytime levels. However, there are several tips for driving safely at night, including:

Drive Defensively

Of course, driving defensively is a lynchpin of driving safely at any time. However, at night you should pay extra attention. Even if you’re driving safely, there’s no guarantee that all of the drivers around you are.

Keep Windshields, Windows, and Mirrors Clean

Dirty or damaged windshields tend to scatter light and increase glare, according to NHTSA. The group also reports that dirty or damaged headlights can cast glare onto oncoming drivers.

Slow Down

Speeding-related crashes account for 37 percent of nighttime-driving fatalities, according to NHTSA, as compared to 21 percent of those during daylight hours. This is due to lower visibility and shorter reaction times. Many of your fellow drivers tend to drive too closely anyway, so you have to be extra careful. Drive at the speed limit and leave plenty of distance between your car and the cars around you.

Take Care of Your Lighting

Adjust your headlights to the proper angle (your car dealership or a service center can probably help you with this) and keep them clean. Don’t hesitate to use your high beams until you’re 500 feet from an oncoming vehicle. Keep your interior lights as dim as is practical. 

Avoid Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving crashes are most likely to happen between midnight and 6 a.m., says NHTSA. So be aware during these hours that there may be sleepy drivers on the road, and take steps to make sure you’re fully awake and alert.

Keep an Eye Out for Wildlife

Collisions with deer are more common from October to January and often happen at dusk or at night. Your high beams can help you spot an animal’s glowing eyes. When you see them, the safest way to avoid an accident is by slowing down or stopping if necessary rather than swerving.

Contact a Bethlehem Accident Attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis For More Information

Driving at night is dangerous and frightening enough that some drivers simply refuse to do it. Still, for most of us, it is at least occasionally necessary. Following these few simple tips can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident. 

However, if you are involved in an accident at night, your first call, even before your call to your insurance company, should be to a Bethlehem accident attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis. They can help you with any type of accident, including those that result in injuryserious injury, or even death.  

Contact us for further information and to schedule your free consultation.