Preventing Car Accidents at Night

Auto accidents can occur at any time of day, from early morning until late at night. Yet nighttime driving does come with risks that do not necessarily exist at other times of day, especially when there is more natural light. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nighttime driving can be more dangerous for a variety of reasons, including more drowsy drivers on the roads, more impaired drivers on the roads, increased traffic around rush hour, and more difficulty seeing hazards. It is important to understand that a motorist cannot use conditions as an excuse for causing an accident. For example, if a motorist says that they could not see clearly because of low lighting, that motorist can still be liable if they did not drive as a reasonable person would have under the conditions.

What do you need to know about preventing nighttime car crashes in Virginia and seeking compensation when they do occur? Consider the following information from our Richmond car accident lawyers.

Understanding Nighttime Driving Hazards 

To prevent nighttime car accidents, it is essential to understand some of the key dangers associated with driving after dark. According to the NSC, the following are the most common causes of collisions that occur during the evening and nighttime:

• Lower visibility;
• Compromised night vision, especially among older drivers;
• Fatigue, especially if you are accustomed to an early bedtime;
• Rush hour, with more vehicles on the road and increased aggressive driving; and
• Alcohol and drug impairment.

Take Steps to Reduce Hazards of Nighttime Driving

When driving at night, it is more difficult to see potential hazards on the road, so it is critical to slow down when and where necessary. In addition, getting enough sleep can prevent a drowsy driving crash. The NSC also emphasizes the importance of having annual vision exams and considering the potential effects of prescription drugs when it comes to compromised night vision. As the NSC explains, “as we age, we have greater difficulty seeing at night,” and the American Optometric Association says that driving at night becomes particularly difficult for drivers aged 60 and up. Among older adults, cataracts and degenerative conditions can also make it more difficult to see with less light.

While motorists cannot account for the poor decision making of other motorists when it comes to alcohol and drug use, avoiding nighttime driving may reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision caused by an intoxicated driver. Indeed, the NSC reports, the highest rate of impaired driving-related crash injuries and deaths occur between midnight and 3:00 a.m. on weeknights and on weekends.

 Contact a Richmond Car Accident Attorney Today

No matter what time of day you are driving, you should not have to worry about negligent drivers on the road. Yet motor vehicle collisions are common in the Richmond area, and they often happen because of a negligent motorist. From drowsy driving to intoxicated driving, nighttime driving can be especially dangerous. If you or a family member sustained serious injuries in a motor vehicle collision in Virginia, it is important to seek legal advice about your options. Depending on the details of the collision, you may be able to seek compensation by filing an insurance claim or a civil lawsuit. One of the experienced Richmond auto accident lawyers at Latham & Martin can assist you. Contact us for more information.

Source:

nsc.org/road/safety-topics/driving-at-night?srsltid=AfmBOop5glGqS2qmMwbVpOdYoLwHIKYAAPNjena96xdBaxk20eQ-ynQz