Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm
on November 6, 2018 in Auto Accident Updated on February 24, 2022
Nighttime driving conditions can be dangerous because visibility is substantially impacted by reduced light. Driving in the dark increases car accidents, due to difficulty judging distances, reduced depth perception and temporary blindness from headlight glare.
Below are tips for staying safe on roadways at night. Being aware of the causes of after-dark accidents and precautions to take when driving at night can help you avoid a collision.
Causes of Nighttime Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of nighttime car accident fatalities is three times higher than fatalities from daytime accidents.
Common causes of after-dark car crashes include:
Mobile phone usage: Using a mobile phone takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Your eyes also have to adjust to darkness after looking at a bright mobile phone screen. You may not see potential hazards in time to avoid a crash. Mobile phoneuse and driving while distracted are more common at night when out with friends.
Vision issues: Many people experience vision issues at night, even those with great daytime vision. Seeing hazards may be more difficult, and you may not be able to react as quickly as you would during the daytime.
Driving under the influence: The majority of drunk driving accidents happen after dark. Drivers may be traveling to and from events after drinking throughout the night.
Rush hour traffic: In some areas, rush hour traffic can last until about 7 p.m. Depending on the time of year, rush hour can extend well after the sun goes down, making it more difficult to see in heavy, congested traffic. Driving during rush hour is especially dangerous because there is more traffic on the road and many drivers are in a rush to reach their destinations.
Drowsy driving: Not getting enough sleep can cause impairments similar to drunk driving when behind the wheel. Many accidents caused by drowsiness can happen within 25 miles of a driver’s home, showing that drowsy driving can be a problem even on shorter trips.
Nighttime Driving Tips
Drivers should take the following steps to improve the safety of their nighttime driving:
Always get enough rest before you drive to improve alertness
Take rest breaks if you get tired while driving – pull over in a safe location to stretch your legs or take a short nap
Switch driving duties with another well-rested driver if you get tired
Position your headlights correctly and keep them clean to improve visibility
If you need glasses, pick lenses with anti-reflective coating to reduce vision strain caused by lights outside
Keep your windshield, exterior mirrors, and rearview mirrors clean
When approaching a vehicle using high beams, do not look straight at the oncoming vehicle’s lights – adjust your gaze towards the right edge of your lane instead
California’s Nighttime Driving Rules
Under California law, drivers are required to use their headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. If weather conditions or low visibility requires the use of windshield wipers, headlights must also be used.
Low beam headlights should be used when driving in the rain after dark. Drivers should use high beam headlights on open country roads or dark city streets when permitted. Drivers must dim headlights to low beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles, or within 300 feet of a vehicle he or she is following.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you were injured in a car accident, contact us for a free, no obligation consultation. Our experienced legal team can review your case and inform you of your legal options for pursuing the compensation you deserve. We require no upfront fees and payment is only due if we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. Call (916) 777-7777.
I would highly recommend Arnold Law Firm, especially George Chryssafis. He did an excellent job.
Working with Jesus in Arnold Law Firm was amazing. He always gave me the best advice in every step throughout my claim and did his best to get me the best most possible outcome asap. They were very patient with me and even gave me a farewell gift bag. Highly recommend :)
Mr. Dominic Sandoval was excellent in helping us with our case. Overall we had a great experience with this company and would highly recommend it to family and friends.
If you are searching for an Excellent Law Firm that is Outstanding and will take care of your case in a Professional and timely manner then I would highly recommend Arnold and Arnold Law Firm. The entire staff and case managers are Amazing! Thank you Stephanie and Laura you two are a great asset to the team! They were kind, knowledgeable and supportive. They started on my case immediately worked very efficiently and kept me in the loop every step of the way!
Thank you again Arnold and Arnold for smoothly and successfully handling my case with your Amazing Team!
I really love that law firm. They were on their job. They took care of me very well, and I highly recommend that law firm for any of your doings. I just wanna thank Josh and his crew for helping me all that they have. Done for me and my family.