Why Is Night Driving So Dangerous in NY?

Why Is Night Driving So Dangerous in NY? Although a quarter of driving occurs at night, 50% of all traffic fatalities occur at night. Even if a road is familiar, accident statistics demonstrate the dangers of driving at night. When driving at night, depth perception, peripheral vision, and depth perception become compromised.

The glare of an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind a driver. Darkness also reduces the reaction time, particularly for speeding drivers. Overall, nighttime driving increases the risk of accidents, contributing to severe injuries and fatalities.

Consult a trusted Long Island Car Accident Lawyer if injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.

Common Causes of Nighttime Car Accidents

Impaired Night Vision

Night vision is the ability to see in low-light conditions. As people age, night vision becomes compromised. A 50-year-old may require twice as much light to see as a 30-year-old.

You can reduce the instances of nighttime accidents using the following steps:

• Try to schedule your travel plans during the day. You could also rearrange a few tasks to minimize driving time at night.
• Get your eyes checked. Medical experts recommend older drivers take annual visual exams.
• Minimize distracted driving habits like texting while driving or talking to passengers.
• Reduce speed.
• Get plenty of rest.

Impaired Drivers

Every day, 37 people in the United States die in drunk driving crashes. Many impaired driving cases occur at night, mainly between midnight and 3 a.m. on weekends. A driver must apply defensive driving habits to avoid accidents caused by impaired driving.

Here are additional tips to prevent impaired driving accidents at night:

• Avoid driving after being drunk; instead, call a taxi, a sober friend, or a ride-share service.
• If you host a party with alcoholic drinks, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Do not allow someone drunk to get behind the wheel.
• Wearing your seatbelt is the best defense against impaired driving.
• Plan a safe ride; before starting the party, choose a non-drinking friend as the designated driver.

Fatigue

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 25 driver adults reported having fallen asleep while driving. An estimated 6,400 people die annually in crashes involving drowsy driving.

Causes of fatigued driving include lack of quality sleep, shift work, sleep disorders, and long work hours. Most drowsy driving incidents happen during the following time periods:

• 4 to 6 a.m.
• Midnight to 2 a.m.
• 2 to 4 p.m.

Losing two hours of sleep has the same effect as having three beers. In addition, tired drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than when sober.

Here are a few tips to prevent fatigue-related motor vehicle accidents:

• Stop every two hours for rest.
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Don’t drive if you’ve been awake for 16 hours or more.
• Travel when you’re generally awake.
• Pull over and get some sleep, if drowsy.

Watch for the following warning signs of fatigue:

• Muscle cramps
• Irritability and impatience
• Yawning
• Feeling sleepy, tired, or exhausted
• Muscle cramps
• Yawning
• Bloodshot, heavy, sore, or droopy eyes
• Slower than normal reflexes or reaction time
• Decreased ability to focus

Victims of car accidents caused by fatigued driving suffer various injuries, including back injuries, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, limb loss, and traumatic brain injuries.

Rush Hour Accidents

The evening rush hour, between 4 and 7 p.m., is a dangerous time to drive due to crowded roads and drivers’ eagerness to get home after work. In winter, it gets darker during rush hour, compounding an already dangerous situation.

Here are safe driving tips during rush hour:

• Slow down and exercise patience.
• Exercise lane discipline and be alert of drivers who weave in and out of lanes.
• Avoid using autopilot mode in a familiar route.
• Consult a map before you start your journey.
• Avoid distracted driving habits like texting, talking on the phone, or interacting with your passengers.

Speeding

Speeding is an aggressive driving behavior. Drivers like to speed at night because there are few vehicles on the road. When traffic congestion occurs at rush hour, drivers may respond aggressively, speeding or weaving in and out of lanes.

Unfortunately, speeding increases the rate of accidents. In 2022, speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities. Speed affects your safety when driving too fast for a particular road or weather condition.

Here are the consequences of speeding at night:

• An increased likelihood of loss of vehicle control.
• A more significant  potential for crash severity leading to severe injuries and fatalities.
• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection features.
• A higher implication of a speed-related crash.
• A longer stopping distance after a driver perceives danger.

Allow a speeding driver enough space because they will likely lose control of their vehicle. If you’re in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over to give way.

Night Driving Safety Tips

Here are a few tips that will keep you safe while driving at night:

• Make sure your vehicle lights are in good working condition
• Keep your windshield clean
• Clean your rear-view mirrors
• Your interior lights should never be too bright to avoid distorting your vision.
• Avoid speeding
• Keep an eye out for wildlife when driving through forested areas
• Be aware of the traffic around you
• Do not drive if you’re tired
• Plan your journey on well-lit roads
• Make effective use of high-beam lights
• Be alert of impaired and fatigued drivers

Contact Our Long Island Car Accident Lawyers Today

Your quality of life and stress can significantly worsen due to injury-related losses like medical expenses and reduced earnings. The at-fault party should cover these losses rather than you as an injured victim. You deserve representation from an experienced attorney who will aggressively fight for your right to compensation.

The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys has resolved over 150,000 accident cases for injury victims, and we’re ready to hear your story. Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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