When the sun sets and darkness blankets the roads, the hazards of driving your car at night escalate significantly. Night car crashes are alarmingly common. Studies show that fatal accidents are three times more likely to occur at night than during the day.
Reduced visibility, increased fatigue, and the prevalence of impaired drivers all contribute to this heightened risk. Despite fewer vehicles on the road, the potential dangers multiply under the cover of night.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 49% of fatal car crashes occur at night.
In this blog we explore the hazards of night driving and why accidents happen at night. We also look at the impact on car insurance claims. Finally, we discuss steps you can take to stay safe.
Nighttime Means Reduced Visibility
Reduced visibility is one of the most obvious hazards of driving your car at night. It is one of the primary reasons night driving is so dangerous. The human eye can’t see well in low-light conditions, making it harder to detect road hazards, signs, and other vehicles. This limitation can significantly affect your reaction time, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
When driving at night, it’s crucial to keep your headlights clean and properly aligned. Dirty or misaligned headlights can reduce your visibility by up to 50%. Using high beams can help, but only when there’s no oncoming traffic. Misuse of high beams can cause temporary blindness to other drivers, leading to accidents.
⚖️ Reduced visibility at night can lead to disputes with insurance companies over whether adequate precautions were taken (like ensuring headlights were clean and properly aligned). Proving negligence may be more complex due to the natural reduction in visibility.
Glare and High Beams
Glare from oncoming headlights is another hazard of driving your car at night. Recently, it seems that headlights have become brighter, posing a significant issue for nighttime driving. This glare can blind you for a moment, making it difficult to see the road ahead.
To combat this, avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights and focus on the white line on the right edge of the road. Practice proper use of high beams; use them only when there is no oncoming traffic.
Switch to low beams when you see an oncoming car or when following another vehicle to help ensure safety for everyone on the road.
Low beams allow you to see up to 250 feet ahead. High beams extend visibility to about 350 to 500 feet.
⚖️ The use or misuse of high beams and the resulting glare can be central to insurance claims, as these factors can contribute to accidents. Demonstrating that the glare significantly impacted visibility might support a claim of negligence against another driver.
Fatigue and Drowsiness
Late night driving often means fighting off fatigue. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, impairing your ability to react quickly and make sound decisions.
Statistics show that driver fatigue contributes to a significant number of auto accidents. Signs of drowsiness include frequent yawning, drifting out of your lane, and difficulty focusing.
Tips to avoid night-driving fatigue:
- Get a good night’s sleep before a long trip
- Take regular breaks
- Avoid driving during hours when you would typically be asleep
If you feel tired, it’s better to pull over and rest rather than risking a car wreck at night.
⚖️ Demonstrating that an accident occurred during a time when the driver was likely fatigued could affect the outcome of a claim, influencing both liability and compensation.
Increased Likelihood of Drunk Driving
The incidence of drunk driving is higher at night, especially on weekends and holidays, adding to the hazards of driving your car at night. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it a deadly combination with driving.
Signs of impaired drivers:
- Swerving
- Inconsistent speeds
- Delayed responses at traffic signals
If you suspect someone driving under the influence, maintain a safe distance and report the vehicle to local authorities. Remember, alcohol can cause serious consequences even in a minor car accident at night.
⚖️ Proving the other driver was under the influence could substantially influence the fault determination and compensation in such cases.
Poor Road Conditions and Obstructions
Night driving also means dealing with unseen road hazards. Potholes, debris, and even roadkill are harder to spot in the dark. These obstacles can cause minor car accidents or severe damage to your vehicle.
Additionally, poorly lit areas might hide pedestrians or cyclists, increasing the risk of an accident.
To mitigate these risks, reduce your speed and stay alert for any changes in the road surface. Proper maintenance of your vehicle’s lighting system, including headlights and taillights, is crucial for ensuring maximum visibility.
⚖️ Nighttime accidents caused by poor road conditions or unseen obstructions can lead to complications in insurance claims. Documenting the exact conditions can be crucial for proving that these factors were significant contributors to the accident.
Importance of Speed Management at Night
Why should you drive slower at night? Reduced visibility, fatigue, and the chance of encountering impaired drivers or hidden obstacles are good reasons to drive cautiously.
- Driving slower gives you more time to react to hazards and reduces the chances of a fatal car accident.
- Maintaining a safe speed is especially important in areas where you might not be aware of the road conditions.
- Slower speeds allow you to stop within the range of your headlights, ensuring you can react to anything that appears in your path.
⚖️ Insurance claims can be influenced by how speed was managed in low-visibility conditions. Proving that a driver was not adjusting speed appropriately for nighttime driving conditions can play a critical role in determining liability.
Steps to Take After a Night Driving Accident
If a car accident occurs, follow these steps to protect yourself and your insurance claim from the hazards of nighttime driving.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety
First, ensure your safety and the safety of others by moving to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Step 2: Report the Accident
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. A police report is crucial for documenting the accident and can be vital when dealing with insurance companies.
Step 3: Seek Medical Treatment
Even if it seems like a minor accident, you should seek medical treatment. Some injuries might not show immediately but could appear a few weeks later.
Night driving presents unique challenges and hidden hazards that require extra caution and preparedness. By following these safety tips, you can reduce the likelihood of a car crash at night. Always prioritize visibility, manage your speed, and stay alert to ensure a safe journey.
⚖️ Following the correct steps post-accident is essential for insurance claims. Proper documentation and immediate reporting can help ensure that the facts of the case are recorded accurately, supporting a fair claim assessment.
Seek Legal Help From A Car Accident Attorney
Sometimes, the hazards of driving your car at night are unavoidable. Navigating the aftermath of a night-time car accident can be challenging when figuring out liability. Insurance companies often scrutinize night-time accidents, sometimes attributing fault to the driver.
Luckily, night driving car accident lawyers specialize in handling these situations. They can assist in gathering evidence, such as traffic camera footage and witness statements, to build a strong case.
If you suffered a car accident at night, contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers today at (213) 985-1120. Get the answers you seek during your free case evaluation.