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Why Night is the Most Dangerous Time to Drive

| Oct 10, 2017 | Car Accidents

Driving is never without its potential hazards and risks, but nighttime
presents even more dangers for those on the road for a variety of reasons.
Now that we are in the midst of the fall season, we will see a lot less
light and shorter days. Since many of us have to commute back home from
work around the time darkness begins to set in, it is crucial to understand
why night is the most dangerous time for motorists and what we can all
do to stay safe on the roadways if we have to drive in the evening.

Here are some of the reasons why nighttime driving is dangerous:

1.Darkness: The fact is that it is a lot harder to drive in the dark than it is during
the daytime. Our depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision
are all compromised in the dark and the glare of headlights from an oncoming
vehicle can even temporarily blind a driver. Since it is not always an
option to simply not drive at night, there are some things you can do
to stay safe. This includes aiming your headlights correctly and keeping
them clean, wearing anti-reflective glasses if you have vision problems,
dimming your dashboard, and slowing down to compensate for limited visibility.

2.Fatigue: If you are driving particularly late in the evening, you might be tired,
especially if it is after a long day of work, or if you did not get enough
rest the previous night. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), most crashes and near-misses occur between midnight
and 2 a.m. and between the hours of 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Drive during the
times when you would normally be awake and, if you are drowsy, pull over
some place safe or at a rest stop for a nap.

3.Compromised Night Vision: Many of us have difficulties with night vision, especially as we age. If
you are over the age of 50, you should always have annual eye exams, reduce
speed in the evening, and minimize all distractions.

Oneonta Car Accident Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is crucial
to hire a trusted and experienced law firm as soon as possible to fight
for your right to fair and just compensation. At Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC,
we handle a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, no matter how
complicated they might be. For the aggressive representation you need,
reach out to us today.

Call us at (607) 228-8404 to schedule a free initial consultation.

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