Why driving at night is more deadly

On Behalf of | Aug 7, 2019 | Car Accidents

Once the sun sets in Louisiana, drivers still fill the roadways. Many people are coming home from work, running errands and escaping their home for a night out with friends. As a result, the roads can still be quite busy, even in low light conditions. What you may not realize is that you face an increased danger when driving at night than during the day. AAA reports that you are three times more likely to die in a car accident during nighttime hours than you are during the day. So what exactly is to blame for this increased risk and what can you do about it?

One of the main reasons why there is this increased risk comes from the lack of natural light. People experience difficulty seeing in low-light conditions, as it affects your peripheral vision and depth perception. As a result, it can be hard to determine the speed and distance of an oncoming vehicle at night. It is critical that you always remain cautious when driving at night. This is especially important for older drivers, as they require greater amounts of natural light to see than do younger drivers. 

As you drive out for a night on the town, it is important to realize that there are more drunk drivers out at night than during the day. Drunk drivers are unable to respond quickly to hazards and may run traffic lights and stop signs. Be on alert and ready to act quickly in these types of situations. 

Another nighttime hazard involves headlight blindness. When you stare directly into the bright headlights of oncoming traffic, it can cause temporary blindness. Be sure to avoid looking directly into the lights. 

This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.

 

 

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