Why night driving increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident

Aug 2, 2022

The summer solstice, the day with the longest daylight hours of the year, passed over a month ago. This means that it is starting to get dark earlier in the evening. Regardless of the time of year, driving in the dark carries certain risks that drivers can largely avoid during the daytime. If you drive a lot after dark, you may be at an increased risk of getting into an accident on the road.

Why does night driving increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident in Connecticut?

Reduced visibility

Even though cars have headlights and many highways have lights illuminating the path, night driving still comes with reduced visibility. This means drivers have less time to react if something like a deer crosses in front of them.

Frequency of drowsy drivers

The nighttime sees a higher incidence of people who are driving drowsy, which can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While the only thing you can do about other drivers is to drive defensively, pull off someplace safe to rest if you find yourself getting sleepy behind the wheel.

Increased glare

Looking at the glare from another car’s headlights can temporarily make it difficult for another driver to see. Glare is a problem unique to night driving as this is when headlights are generally in use.

Being aware of the risks of night driving helps you be a safer and more defensive driver, reducing the chances of getting into an accident.

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