If driving after dark has always made you a little more nervous than driving in the daylight, you have good instincts. According to the National Safety Council, fatal collisions are three times more likely to occur at night.
At the end of the day, several factors contribute to this startling statistic including impaired motorists, fatigue, and compromised vision. Although you have no control over the actions of other motorists, you can certainly avoid driving while drunk or drowsy to reduce the risk of a devastating crash.
As far as compromised vision goes, LASIK is not necessarily the answer, but there are other ways to ensure your safety behind the wheel long after the sun has set. Unfortunately, even if you take the recommended precautions for avoiding a wreck, all it takes is one reckless driver to cause a catastrophic collision.
If you were hurt in a collision that was not your fault, turn to the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and emotional distress. Call 615-251-0005 or 800-427-8960 to schedule a free case evaluation with an wreck attorney in Nashville.
Read on to learn five safety tips for driving at night:
- Maintain Your Headlights
Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the headlights gradually, which means you are unlikely to notice a dramatic difference in their brightness from one trip to the next. Clean your headlights often, and make sure they are angled at the optimal position for maximum visibility.
- Dim the Dash
Bright lights inside a vehicle can cause a dangerous glare that obstructs the driver’s vision. Dim the instrument panel and dashboard lights when driving at night, and advise passengers to reduce the brightness on their phones if they must use them en route.
- Look for Animals
Nashville may be a bustling city, but there are a lot of country roads leading in and out of it. Learn to spot animals—and avoid serious accidents—by scanning for their eyes. You will be able to see their retinas reflecting the headlights long before you see the rest of them.
- Clean Streaky Glass
A windshield that looks perfectly clean in the daylight can appear streaky at night. Avoid touching the inside of your windshield to prevent smudges, and clean the outside with newspaper to remove residue that will otherwise cause a dangerous glare.
- Visit an Optometrist
Driving at night may be somewhat harder than driving when the sun is out, but if the windshield is clean and the headlights are working, it should not be challenging. If you suddenly notice a considerable glare, it’s time to visit your eye doctor. As you get older, regular exams are essential even if you do not wear corrective eyewear.
If you were hurt in a collision at night despite following the above tips, turn to the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. Contact us online or call 800-427-8960 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Nashville. You can learn more about car wreck claims in Tennessee by visiting USAttorneys.com.
