Nighttime is the riskiest time to be on the roads. One third
of all car accidents occur at night and more than half of reported fatalities
are due to driving at night. While there are fewer cars on the road at night,
and usually fewer cars means less chances of getting into an accident, there
are simply too many other factors that actually increase those chances. Here
are some tips for driving at night that also explain why it is so risky to do
so:
- Always keep your headlights clean and make sure they are
properly working, as well as your taillights. Accidents often happen when a
car’s taillights are not working and therefore end up getting rear-ended.
- It is recommended that you should always turn your
headlights on as soon as the sun starts to set. Even though it’s still not
completely dark yet, you want to remain the most visible so it’s best not to
take a chance.
-Unless you are driving in a very rural or dark
area/highway, always make sure your high-beam headlights are not in use.
High-beam lights can distract and make it hard for drivers from the opposite
direction to see clearly.
- Always keep your
windshield clean. Even slightly dirty windshields could have a great impact on
how visibly you can see the road. And if your windshield has any cracks, you
should get it replaced immediately because cracked windshields can be
dangerous.
- Stay alert. Don’t be on your phone or do anything that can
distract you. It’s harder to see at night so it’s especially important during
that time that you are completely focused on the road.
- Watch for drunk drivers. The majority of drunk driving
accidents occur in the early morning hours of the day after midnight. Make sure
you stay alert and are cautious about how other drivers nearby are driving.
- Watch for motorcycles. The single headlight/taillight on a
motorcycle can be confusing for other drivers and make them feel like the
motorcycle is further away from them than it really is.
- Watch your speed. The more you speed, the less time you
have to react in a sudden hazardous situation. The fact that darkness makes it
harder to see makes it even worse. High speed and low visibility should never
be combined.
- Don’t drive if feeling drowsy. You’re more likely to be
drowsy at night and therefore possibly doze off/fall asleep.
As you can see, the main factors that can cause accidents
during this time is due to decreased visibility and increased reckless driving.
Even if you drive carefully at night, sometimes an accident will be inevitable
because of another driver’s error that doesn’t give you enough time to react.
It’s best to avoid driving during this time, but if you have to, use extra
caution.
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.
