In Phoenix, one-third of all motor vehicle accidents occur at night and more than half of reported fatalities are due to night-time driving.
Why Are There More Motor Vehicle Accidents At Night?
At night, obviously less light is available and thus vision is restricted. Bright light, such as lightning or high-beam headlights can also cause temporary blindness.
Tips to Avoid Motor Vehicle Accidents During Night Driving
Here are some things you can do to improve your visibility and the ability of others to see you:
- At dusk turn on your headlights. Leave them on until you are in full daylight.
- Keep headlights clean and properly aimed.
- Immediately replace burned-out headlights.
- Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle or within 300 feet of a vehicle in front of you.
- You can guide your vehicle by watching the right edge of the road.
- Do not flick your high beams up and down as a reminder to another driver to dim his brights – this can result in temporary blindness for the other driver.
- Don’t use high beams when going into a curve.
- Keep your windshield clean, inside and out.
- Keep your instrument panels dim.
- Always keep your eyes moving; do not focus on any one object.
- Keep windows clean. Tip: Wipe the blades with club soda or carbonated water to significantly reduce streaking.
Special Awareness for Drunk and Drowsy Drivers
Be especially alert for drunk or drowsy drivers between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. If you notice another car driving at erratic speeds, weaving across lanes, or delayed starts at intersections, use extreme care in passing and notify police.
If you’ve suffered from a motor vehicle accident, you need the expert advice of car accident attorneys such as those at Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC.
