A car accident can occur at any time of the day, but the night offers unique risks for drivers. Almost 50% of all car accident fatalities occur during the night, even though the dark hours only see 25% of daily traffic. Auto collisions often result in severe injuries and require the help of a personal injury attorney. It’s important to take extra precautions when you’re behind the wheel after dark. Here are a few tips for protecting yourself and your passengers from the dangers of driving at night.

How to Stay Safe While Driving in the Dark

1. Maintain Visibility

Without sunlight, it’s more difficult to navigate the roads. Even with headlights, it can be challenging to see traffic signs, other vehicles, or potential hazards. Make sure you’re maintaining as much visibility as possible.

Turn the headlights on once the sun starts to set. Keep all lights properly aligned and in working condition. Don’t let dirt build up on the windows, mirrors, or light fixtures.

2. Avoid Bright Lights

Don’t look directly at the headlights of oncoming traffic. This can cause temporary blindness, and it only takes a few seconds for an accident to occur.

If your dashboard icons seem especially bright, dim them to reduce the glare on your windshield and windows. Doing this will also cut down on distractions and allow your eyes to focus on your surroundings.

3. Stay Well-Rested

The human body automatically begins preparing for sleep once nighttime arrives, resulting in feelings of fatigue. Driving drowsy is just as dangerous as operating a vehicle while impaired or distracted, as it decreases alertness. If you’re feeling tired, pull over somewhere safe to stretch and get some fresh air or stop to rest for the night.

Even when you practice safe driving, accidents can occur due to other drivers or unavoidable hazards. If this happens, reach out to Anderson Law Firm in Texarkana, TX, to explore your legal options. As a personal injury attorney with over 25 years of experience, Darren Anderson is committed to protecting the rights of those who deserve compensation due to the negligence of others. Call (903) 792-1229 to schedule a free consultation with this personal injury attorney, or visit the firm’s website for more information.