People often don’t drive as well in the dark. As day becomes night, pupils can dilate, drivers can become fatigued and the potential for crashes can increase.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorists are three times more likely to get in a fatal collision at night, especially on weekend evenings.
Luckily, there are several things motorists can do to help reduce the risk of severe injury or death while driving at night.
Safety tips for late evening driving
Here is what motorists can do:
- Drive slower: Numerous nighttime crashes have resulted from people speeding in the dark. According to the NHTSA, 37% of late evening crashes are speeding-related. Because of this, motorists should reduce their speed when they can’t see far ahead of them or when going around sharp turns.
- Look out for deer: As deer mating season in Wisconsin goes from October to December, motorists can expect more of them out on the road during this time. To take precautions, drivers may want to slow down or come to a complete stop and avoid swerving out of the deer’s way to avoid hitting oncoming traffic.
- Keep the windshield clean: Maintaining a clear view can be especially tricky in the winter months. That’s because snow and ice mixed with frigid temperatures can obstruct a driver’s view. When commuting, motorists may want to set aside extra time to scrape off snow and ice from their windows and allow their vehicles to warm up before they put it in drive.
- Avoid driving on two-lane highways: The NHTSA says two-lane highways can increase a driver’s exposure to nighttime glare. This can be especially dangerous as these types of roads can more sharp curves and hills than a freeway.
When motorists understand the risks that can come with driving at night, they can decrease their chances of harming themselves or others. For those involved in a nighttime automobile collision, a hardworking and dedicated personal injury attorney can examine their claims and seek compensation.
