Night Time Car Accident

Driving at night poses risks for drivers, especially teenage drivers and the elderly.

Driving at night can be more challenging than driving during the day. Poor lighting, oncoming headlights, and fatigue make it difficult to see the road ahead. As a result, night-time accidents are fairly common. In fact, according to the NHTSA, nearly half of all traffic fatalities occur between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am. 

Vulnerable to Night Time Car Accidents

Teenagers and the elderly are especially vulnerable to night time car accidents. Teenage drivers with a graduated driver’s license are allowed to drive between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.; there are some exceptions to this rule that includes driving to school, work, church, or if they have a qualified driver older than 21 years sitting with them in the vehicle. Teenagers with limited driving experience and the elderly may have reduced reflexes, making them vulnerable to accidents during the night time. Reduced visibility, especially on unlit streets, and unsafe road conditions also makes them prone to car accidents.

Causes of Night Time Car Accidents

• Distracted driving – Distractions can be numerous – watching an object outside the vehicle, adjusting the radio or the navigation system, chatting with fellow passengers, eating and drinking, and using a cell phone.
• Driving under the influence – This is one of the most common causes of car accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows down the body’s reaction time and the driver is unable to take preventive measures to avoid accidents.
• Driving in the wrong direction – Some drivers may try to take a shortcut and drive on the wrong side of the road. This is extremely dangerous since fast-moving vehicles generally do not suspect any vehicles coming in their lane from the opposite side.
• Driving without the lights on – The headlights of your car show you the way and are the beacon for others to identify what else is coming on the road.
• Fatigued driving – While returning from work, some drivers are suffering from sleep deprivation.
• Texting and driving – Using a cell phone while driving takes the driver’s attention off the road and the driver may fail to take necessary defensive measures.

Safety Tips for Driving at Night

• Regular maintenance of your vehicle is essential for avoiding night time car accidents.
• Never drink and drive.
• Keep your head and tail lights in working order and keep them on while driving at night.
• Never drive when you are tired. It is better to be well rested before you get behind the wheel.
• Have your eye-sight tested periodically.

Signs You Might Need Night-Time Driving Glasses

There are several ways to make night time driving safer, but one of the most effective is to wear night time driving glasses. These special glasses help to reduce glare and improve contrast, making it easier to see the road ahead. If you’re not sure whether or not you need night-time driving glasses, here are tell-tale signs that you might need a pair:

Oncoming Headlights Seem Overly Bright and Cause Glare

If you find yourself constantly blinded by oncoming headlights, it may be time to invest in a pair of glasses designed for driving at night. These glasses usually have yellow-tinted lenses that help reduce glare from headlights. In addition, they may also have an anti-reflective coating that helps reduce the amount of light reflected back into your eyes. 

You Have Trouble Seeing Street Signs, Pedestrians, and Other Obstacles at Night

The human eye is not very good at adjusting to changes in light, and the darkness of night can make it difficult to see obstacles on the road. If you find yourself having trouble seeing street signs, pedestrians, or other obstacles at night, it may be time to invest in a pair of night-time driving glasses. These glasses have special lenses that help filter out the glare of oncoming headlights and provide a clearer view of the road. In addition, they can also help reduce eye fatigue, making it easier to stay focused on the task at hand. 

Seeing “Halos” Around Lights

Another sign that you might need night-time driving glasses is if you see halos around lights. When light shines on the eye, it bends (or refracts) as it enters the eye. This is how we are able to see. However, when the eye is not able to refract light properly, halos can appear around lights. If you find yourself seeing halos when driving at night, it may be a sign that your vision is not as sharp as it used to be, and you should invest in a pair of night-time driving glasses. 

More signs:

• You find yourself squinting to see better while driving at night.
• You have difficulty judging distances in the dark.
• Your vision seems fuzzy or unclear after sunset.
• You find yourself getting drowsy while driving at night.
• You find it hard to read street signs and exit ramps in the dark.
• You miss turns or exits because you can’t see them clearly enough.
• You find yourself making more mistakes while driving at night than during the day.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s important to talk to your doctor or optometrist about getting a pair of night-time driving glasses designed to improve your vision in low-light conditions. Don’t wait until it’s too late – make sure you can see clearly before heading out on your next night-time drive!