A person’s eyes are far more useful in sunlight in opposed to moonlight. This is why night driving is considerably more dangerous than daytime driving. The headlights of oncoming vehicles along with other lights along the roadway can send the wrong signals to the brain and easily distract a driver. Commuters must exude extra care and caution when driving at night to avoid a night driving accident.
The numbers related to motor vehicle accidents at night are startling. Regardless of the fact that there are about 60 percent fewer cars on the road after sundown, 40 percent of all fatal accidents occur before the sun rises. Here are some of the most common causes of nighttime motor vehicle crashes.
Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
Fatigue and drowsiness result in significant attention and reaction deficits for drivers. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, more than 5,000 people died last year in accidents involving fatigued or drowsy driver. Teens and young adults were found to be responsible for more than half of all drowsy driving accidents.
Mobile Phone Use
Whether it be browsing apps or texting, taking one’s eyes off of the road while driving at night is hazardous. The eyes and brains of drivers take time to adjust from a bright phone screen to a dark roadway, making texting and driving at night particularly dangerous. Per the Virginia Tech Traffic Safety Institute, the five seconds that it takes to read or send a text at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
Alcohol Consumption
Since most people work during the day, it makes sense that individuals who drink and drive will do so at night. Authorities say that closing time for the bars is the most dangerous time to be on the road. Statistics show that most fatal accidents occur between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., the same time the majority of bars and clubs are closing. There is also a spike in roadway fatalities immediately after “happy hour.”
If you or someone you know suffered an injury in a nighttime driving accident, do not hesitate to exercise your right to an attorney. Car Accident Cases has experience linking the afflicted driver with quality attorneys who can help secure the maximum compensation available. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.