Tips for Driving at Night

Studies from the National Safety Council indicate that night travel increases the traffic fatality rate by three times when compared to day driving. Alabama residents who choose to travel in motor vehicles during the evening must be aware of the elevated dangers that exist for all drivers, whether on the roads or on the highways. Sadly, many of these people are unaware of the specific hazards linked to driving at night.

Visibility plays enormous roles in a driver’s ability to safety navigate from one place to another. In fact, up to 90 percent of a motorist’s reaction is dependent upon their ability to see. Therefore, driving at night greatly limits a driver’s ability to see clearly and thus drive safely. When the sun goes down the typical Mobile motorist’s color recognition, depth perception, and peripheral vision is greatly compromised.

Citrin Law Firm has represented many accident victims who have suffered at the hands of a driver during the nighttime. We work diligently to fight for the compensation that these suffering individuals deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision while driving at night, our Mobile auto accident attorneys are here to help.

To speak with a personal injury lawyer, please complete a Free Case Review today.

Nighttime Accident Causes

One of the leading causes of collisions in the United States today is related to driving at night. There are a number of contributing factors that may lead to a motor vehicle crash; however, most of these are made worse when vision is limited due to the nighttime. For instance, an elderly driver with compromised vision will often need double the amount of light than that of a younger counterpart. Therefore, it is essential that Alabama drivers are aware of these dangers.

Beyond the outside factors related to nighttime driving, motorists are much more likely to experience fatigue as they drive later and later into the evening. Driving while tired is the leading cause of motor vehicle collisions in the United States today. As such, driving at night often relates to drivers who are driving when they are too tired to safely operate their vehicles.

Finally, nighttime driving opens the door to the majority of those who drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. As Mobile motorists drive later and later into the night, the likelihood that other drivers are under the influence increases tremendously. Being aware of these common causes of accidents while driving at night will place motorists in a better position to avoid a crash.

For more information, please complete a Free Case Review at your earliest convenience.

Tips for Driving at Night

The National Safety Council has provided a list of some of the most important tips for Alabama drivers who choose to travel during the nighttime. While there are many accidents that are certainly unavoidable, keeping the following tips in mind will place all motorists at less of a risk.

• Be sure that your vehicle is prepared for the nighttime drive. Ensure that all tail lights, signal lights, headlights, and windows are cleaned properly.
• Check that your headlights are aimed properly. When headlights are not properly aimed, they may blind oncoming drivers or those drivers in front of your vehicle, leaving them unable to accurately see the roadways.
• Never drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Refrain from smoking while driving at night. The carbon monoxide and nicotine can make it difficult to see at night.
• Turn the headlights on if and when you believe the sun is beginning to go down. These headlights help for you to see better while allowing other cars to see you on the road.
• Slow speeds and increase following distance during the nighttime. Judging distances becomes much more difficult during than nighttime when compared to daytime driving.
• Be sure to keep headlights on low beams when you are following behind another vehicle, as these can blind the driver in front of you.
• If an oncoming vehicle happens to have their low beams on, be sure to follow the right edge of the road as a steering guide to avoid the heavy glare.
• If you experience any signs of fatigue while driving at night, stop and pull over to rest. Only continue driving once you feel well rested enough to safely operate your vehicle.
• If any type of car trouble arises be sure to safely pull over on the side of the road. At this time, turn on your hazard lights in addition to the dome light. If possible, place reflecting triangle in close proximity to your vehicle and about 300 feet behind it. Then, be sure to stay off of the roadway until assistance arrives.

Keeping these tips in mind will help to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes occurring due to driving at night. Twilight is one of the most difficult times to safely operate a vehicle, as the eyes are constantly attempting to change in adaption to the pending darkness. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash while driving at night, Citrin Law Firm is prepared to take on your case today.

Contact an Experienced Mobile Accident Lawyer

Citrin Law Firm has helped countless Alabama residents in our more than 25 years of legal experience. In this time, we have come to understand just what it takes to be successful in the courtroom. Citrin Law Firm takes the time to get to know both you and your case. In this way, we are able to focus on the proceedings of the litigations process, while you and your loved ones are able to concentrate on recovery.

If you or a loved one has experienced any suffering following a crash at night, please contact our Mobile offices at your earliest convenience to get started. To learn more about your legal options today, please fill out a Free Case Review form on this page.