One thing that you will find when looking at car accident statistics is that night driving is incredibly dangerous. It’s simply more likely that fatal accidents are going to happen at night. This is one of the reasons that some young drivers are restricted from driving at night until they have more experience.
But you may find yourself wondering why accidents are more likely just because it is dark. Let’s look at a few of the potential reasons that can lead to a crash.
Reduced visibility
First and foremost, the fact that it’s dark means that it’s naturally just going to be harder to see, even with modern headlights. This is especially a problem for older vehicles or those in which the headlights are angled incorrectly. A lack of visibility can cause drivers to miss street signs, fail to see pedestrians or make other errors.
Increased drunk driving
Cultural norms also mean that drinking is more common at night, and this leads to an increase in drunk driving accidents after dark. Personally, you may stay sober when you drive at any time, but you have to remember that you’re sharing the road with drivers who may be impaired. If you’re out after dark, especially on the weekend, impairment is quite common.
Driver fatigue
Finally, the odds that a fatigued driver will be on the road are higher at night, as well. Fatigued driving can be quite similar to distracted driving or drunk driving, and it can lead to serious mistakes and accidents. Examples include when a driver nods off and drifts over the centerline.
If you have been injured in an accident, make sure that you know about all the legal options you have to seek financial compensation.