Most people don’t think twice about driving at night, but traffic death rates are actually three times higher at night than they are during the day. There are many reasons for the dangers: less light makes it harder for drivers to see, alcohol use is greater at night, drivers tend to be more tired after dark, and more.
Were you or someone you know hurt in a motor vehicle accident at night by a driver who was not doing everything they could be doing to be safe on the road? There are steps that all drivers can take to reduce the chances that they will hurt themselves – or someone else – in a night-time driving accident.
If you were involved in a night-time crash:
- Was the other car very dirty? Dirty or grimy headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows can reduce a vehicle’s ability to see and be seen.
- Were the headlights in the car that caused the crash properly aligned? If headlights are misaligned they can blind other drivers and reduce visibility.
- Was one of the drivers in the crash smoking? Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, which can reduce night vision.
- Was one of the drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs? More alcohol and drug related crashes happen at night, when people are more likely to be indulging or celebrating with friends and family. Weekend nights are especially deadly when it comes to drug and alcohol related crashes.
- Was the driver of the car that caused the crash tired? Had they gotten enough sleep the night before? Fatigue reduced reaction times and drivers can quickly cause a crash by losing control completely if they nod off at the wheel.
- Was one of the cars being driven without headlights? Driving without headlights makes a vehicle very had to see in the dark, especially during inclement weather.
- Did one driver forget to turn off the vehicle’s high-beams? High-beams can blind an oncoming driver, making a head-on collision more likely. Sometimes, drivers who neglect to turn off their high-beams are distracted and not paying attention, another contributing factor to serious motor vehicle crashes.
If you were seriously hurt in a traffic accident, you don’t have to fight for your rights alone. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Tavss Fletcher have a proven track record of handling auto accident cases in Virginia and North Carolina. Please contact their Norfolk office today to speak for no cost or obligation with a lawyer who can make a difference in your life.
TAVSS FLETCHER
RBC Centura
555 East Main Street, 14th Floor
Norfolk, VA 23510
Telephone: (757) 625-1214
Facsimile: (757) 622-7295