JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Driving at night is actually the most dangerous time to drive. Nearly 75% of driving takes place during daylight hours. There are more people on the road, which should mean there is a greater chance of having an accident. But in reality traffic death rates are actually three times higher at night than they are during the day. Almost 55% of all driving death takes place during the night, and 62% of pedestrian deaths occur after dark.

How to Prepare Yourself for Nighttime Driving

• Make sure your car is prepared for driving at night. Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights, and your windows (inside and out, because dirty windows can cause glaring) once a week.
• Make sure your headlights are aimed properly. Headlights that are not properly aimed can cause problems for other drivers and can make it more difficult for you to see the road.
• Don’t drive drunk. Even one drink can make you tired because it acts like a depressant. It is never okay to drink and drive.
• If you are a smoker do not smoke and drive. The nicotine and carbon monoxide hinder night vision.
• Don’t wait until it is completely dark to turn on your headlights. Although you may still be able to see, turning on your lights makes it easier for others to see YOU while the sun is still setting.
• Increase your following distance and drive slower. It is harder to gauge other drivers’ speeds and distances at night.
• Do not put on your high beams when following another driver. It makes it more difficult for the driver in front of you to see, and it can cause an accident.
• If an oncoming vehicle is driving with its high beams on, you can avoid the glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a guide to help you steer better.
• If you feel yourself getting tired, stop for snacks and exercise. Or, if you are really too tired to drive it is better to stop and get some sleep than to power through and keep driving.

Although it is safer to drive during the day, it is unrealistic to say do not drive at night. We all have valid reasons for driving at night, but if you take these precautions you can drastically reduce your chance of getting into an automotive accident at night.

If you have been in a car accident in Philadelphia that was caused by the dangers of nighttime driving, you should call the auto accident attorneys at Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo, P.C., at 888-807-WORK. Put expertise and compassion on your side when navigating an auto accident case.