While driving at any time can be dangerous, the number of people who die from motor vehicle accidents that occur at night are three times the number of fatalities that result from accidents during the day. Iowa motorists who routinely drive at night may benefit from learning about the challenges nighttime drivers face and how they can remain safe on the road.
There are multiple reasons people who drive at night have a higher chance of getting in a vehicle accident. Visibility at night is drastically reduced and can not only make it difficult for drivers to see animals in the road, road signs, pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers, but also make it difficult to estimate the distance between one’s vehicle and other objects. Drivers with nyctalopia, or night blindness, may find it particularly difficult to see at night. The same applies to older drivers, or drivers who are at least 50 years of age or older, as they may require two times as much light a 30-year-old driver would need, according to the National Safety Council.
Another factor in nighttime driving risks is roadside construction. When driving towards construction zones, drivers should slow down and be prepared to stop, if necessary. The night is also a prime time for a higher number of intoxicated drivers to be on the road, which increases the chances of accidents.
People who sustain injuries from car accidents may want to meet with an attorney to discuss how to proceed. If it can be determined that the accident was due to the negligence of another driver, the attorney could seek a settlement from the at-fault motorist’s insurer. If the amount offered is insufficient, a lawsuit might be advisable.
