Last Updated on July 23, 2020
Poor visibility and a higher likelihood of encountering intoxicated motorists combine to make night driving a dangerous proposition. And the risk is even greater for young and inexperienced drivers. Although just 14 percent of the time teen drivers spend on the road occurs between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am, 32 percent of fatal crashes occur in this period.
The truth is car accidents can occur for a number of reasons, including unsafe road conditions, equipment malfunction, driver inexperience, driver distraction, and negligence. At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, we deal with a wide range of auto and motorcycle accidents every year. Here are our tips for safe driving at night in New Jersey:
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road at Night
Here are our top suggestions for staying safe in your car:
Turn on Your Headlights: This tip should go without saying, but some drivers neglect to use their headlights correctly. If you’re driving on the highway, normal low beam headlights offer sufficient illumination. However, on dark and twisting back roads, it’s a good idea to turn on your high beams. Just make sure to lower them if another car is approaching; otherwise, you risk causing an accident rather than preventing one.
Lower Your Gaze: Headlights help illuminate the road ahead, but they can also interfere with your vision and concentration. For best results, avoid staring directly into the lights of oncoming traffic. Instead, adjust your gaze so you’re looking just above or just below the glare.
Wear Glasses or Corrective Lenses: You might not think your glasses are the height of fashion, but it’s important to wear them whenever you’re on the road. Many individuals with vision problems experience even greater difficulty when driving at night. To stay safe on the road, wear your glasses or contacts and consider keeping a spare pair in the glove compartment.
Keep Your Windshield Clear:Â Streaks and smears can make it difficult to see through your windshield. As a result, you might be less responsive when someone stops short in front of you or veers into the wrong lane. To protect yourself and anyone riding with you, make sure your windows and mirrors are clean and have any cracks repaired before getting on the road.
Stay Awake and Alert: Even the safest drivers aren’t at their best when they haven’t gotten enough rest. If you want to avoid accidents, refrain from driving when you’re tired or sick. If you have to hit the road, stop by your local Starbucks to grab a coffee and a snack. Drinking plenty of water is also important to keep you refreshed on long-haul drives.
Find a Car Accident Attorney to Handle Your Case
If the worst happens and you find yourself the victim of an auto accident, the most important thing to do is seek medical attention. Car accident injuries are often serious and include broken bones, joint issues, concussions, and even spinal cord injuries. Seeing a doctor immediately protects your long-term health while ensuring any medical issue is documented at the time it occurs.
Ready to learn more about our services? Call to schedule your free consultation or contact our injury attorneys online.