Even for experienced drivers, driving at night can still be unsettling. Statistically, the highest crash rates occur at nighttime between the hours of 6pm-6am. In addition, the traffic fatality rates are 3-4 times higher during these darker hours than in the daytime. The causes of these accidents are usually caused by exhaustion, stress, or the drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You can be a safer driver at night by doing a few things. At night, our visibility is reduced. Low lights decrease your peripheral vision and depth perception as well as causing your pupils to dilate (which may blur your vision). Glare coming from the headlights of other vehicles may also blind you. This form of glare is especially invasive and dangerous as it may cause confusion, dizziness, and temporary blindness.
Follow these tips for helping with glare:
- Make sure to keep your windshield, windows and glass surfaces clean. Any smudges, streaks, or road grime on these surfaces can reduce the contrast of objects on the road and make them appear invisible to you.
- Clean your vehicle’s headlights. Small amounts of dirt on headlights can still decrease the light output by about half, restricting your ability to see and for others to see you.
- Try not to look directly into the headlights of oncoming traffic. What you can do is look down and to the right. Keep in mind that you should be able to see the white line on the side of the road or where pavement meets the shoulder. Use the right side of the road to keep track of your lane rather than the left side. You’ll still have the ability to see other vehicles with your peripheral vision but their glare won’t be as much of a nuisance.
- Try flipping your rearview mirror. You can change your mirror to its nighttime setting by just flipping the small lever located at the bottom of the mirror. You will still see lights appear in the glass but they will be dimmer.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.
