Half of all traffic-related fatalities occur at night. With reduced visual acuity, increased rush-hour traffic, and greater chances of fatigued or inebriated drivers on the road, it's easy to see why the nighttime hours play such a major role in auto accidents. With this in mind, here’s a closer look at a few tips for driving safely at night.

How to Drive Safely After Dark

1. Drive Defensively

You might be a good, attentive driver, but other drivers on the road may not be. This is why it's even more important to drive defensively at night. Keep focused on the road at all times, scanning the near and far distances in front of you as well as the sides of your vision. Check your blind spots.

Maintain a safe following distance of at least three to four seconds. and always use turn signals when turning. In inclement weather, modify your speed to match your visibility levels and the conditions of the road. Finally, always utilize smart safety practices, like wearing seat belts and turning off your cellphone.

2. Adjust Lighting

When driving in open areas at night, turn on your high beams. They will widen your field of vision and help you drive more defensively. However, be sure to switch off the high beams when you see an oncoming vehicle, as the extra brightness may interfere with their visibility.

Also, dim the lights on your instrument panel. Too-bright lights inside the car can be a distraction, and they can reflect onto the windshield and hinder your clear view.

3. Look Out for Wildlife

Be mindful of bright eyes along the sides of the road. Many forms of wildlife are active at night, and if they dart in front of your car, they can cause a serious auto accident. If you see glowing eyes, slow down, pull over, and stop, if possible, so you can better chart the animal's movements. Try not to swerve out of the way, as this makes it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle.

In some cases, an auto accident might result through no fault of your own. Let a personal injury attorney protect your rights and interests. The team at Carey & Hamner, P.C., represents clients in the Dothan, Enterprise, and Ozark, AL, area. They offer legal support in all types of accident and injury claims. Call (855) 435-4797 or visit their website to schedule a consultation with an attorney today.