How Night Driving Increases the Risk of Car Accidents in NJ
According to the National Safety Council, approximately half of all motor vehicle accident fatalities occur during the nighttime hours, even though only a quarter of all traffic is on the roads during those hours. Night driving comes with certain risks not present during the daytime that can increase the chances of an accident, even when you are driving on roads that you are very familiar with. As a driver, you should learn about the risks of night driving and what you can do to help keep yourself and others safe if you are out on the road at night, as well as what rights you may have if you are injured in a night driving accident through no fault of your own.
Risks of Night Driving
Some of the unique risks posed by night driving include:
- Low lighting — In the fall and winter, the days become shorter, meaning that drivers are more likely to be out on the road before sunrise or after sunset. As people get older, their ability to see well in low light conditions decreases. A 50-year-old-plus driver may need two or three times as much light to see as well as someone 20 to 30 years younger.
- Rush hour — Shorter days in the fall and winter also mean that part of the evening rush hour takes place after sunset. The heavy traffic of rush hour only compounds the other risks of night driving.
- Fatigue — At night, drivers are much more likely to feel tired or drowsy. Drowsy or fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Drunk or drugged driving — More intoxicated drivers are on the road at night than during the day, especially following midnight when people leave bars and clubs.
Tips to Stay Safe When Driving at Night
The best way to minimize the risks of getting into an accident on the road at night is to simply minimize driving at night. If you do need to drive during the nighttime hours, tips you should follow to help reduce the chance of being involved in a motor vehicle crash include:
- Keep your headlights clean and ensure they are always in good working order
- Also keep your windshield clean — dust or dirt can increase the glare effect from other vehicles’ headlights or from streetlights
- Never look directly into the headlights of an oncoming vehicle
- If you wear glasses when driving, consider having anti-reflective lenses
- Do not drive too fast for conditions, remembering that you only have a couple hundred feet of visibility ahead of your vehicle from your headlights
- Get off the road as soon as possible if you are feeling tired, drowsy, or fatigued
- Never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs
What Are Your Rights If You Were Injured in a Night Driving Accident?
If you were hurt in a night driving accident that was caused by another motorist’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to recover compensation for losses that you have suffered, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of past and future earnings and employment benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Visible scarring/disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Accident Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured as a result of someone else’s negligence in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured in car accidents in Westfield, Summit, Scotch Plains, Brick, Aberdeen, Asbury Park, East Freehold, Colts Neck Township, Rumson, and throughout Monmouth County, Ocean County, Union County, and Middlesex County, NJ. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
