During the fall and winter months, we find ourselves spending more time driving when it’s dark outside, whether it’s early in the morning or after you leave work in the evening. Unfortunately, night-time driving is significantly more dangerous compared to driving when the sun is out.
The following are the most common dangers of driving at night:
Reduced vision and visibility – We mostly rely on our eyes to react to driving conditions. However, driving in the dark impacts our depth perception, peripheral vision, and our ability to see and react to other drivers, road signs, and even debris on the road. While headlights and streetlights can help, they do not offer the same visibility as natural light during the day. If you have a hard time seeing while driving at night, reduce your speed while driving to be more prepared for unexpected road conditions, clean the windshield to eliminate streaks and improve your vision, and avoid distractions.
Rush hour – During the week, the most dangerous time to drive is during the evening rush hour—between 4 and 7 PM—because of heavy traffic and drivers anxious to return home from work. In fall and winter, rush hour is even more hazardous when you are driving in the dark. To avoid being involved in a car accident during rush hour, be patient during the commute, listen to calm and soothing music to avoid road rage, remain in your lane, and remain vigilant of other drivers frantically switching lanes.
Drunk drivers – Impaired drivers are often on the road after dark, especially during the weekends between the hours of midnight and 3 AM. Since festive gatherings during the holiday season are generally associated with alcohol consumption, there will be an increase in drunk drivers on the road during this time of year. If you plan on drinking alcohol at an event, either designate someone to be your driver, request a ride from Uber or Lyft, or spend the night at a friend’s place or book a hotel room.
Drowsy drivers – Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving since drowsiness can negatively impact your judgment, vigilance, and ability to maintain proper lane position. Driving at night when you are feeling fatigued can surely lead to falling asleep behind the wheel and subsequently a crash. Whether you are commuting to work or driving a long distance, ensure you get between seven to eight hours of sleep the night before and avoid driving if you have been awake for 16 hours or more. If you feel tired, either pull over to somewhere safe or book a motel/hotel room to take a nap.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Atlanta or Woodstock, GA, call The Dickinson Law Firm, LLC at (770) 924-8155 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free initial consultation. We have more than four decades of personal injury experience!