Driving after dark inherently carries more risks than driving during the day. While reduced visibility is a common problem at night, it is not the only problem drivers face once the sun starts to go down. Before you get behind the wheel at night, it is important to understand what the dangers are and how to avoid them.
Injured in a crash at night due to another driver’s negligence? Our highly qualified legal team is prepared to help, and we welcome your questions. Call our knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Appleton to discuss the nighttime crash that injured you and discuss your legal options. Your initial consultation is completely free, and when we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.
Call (920) 328-0700 for a FREE case review, or submit our free case evaluation form online.
Do More Crashes Really Happen at Night in Appleton?
Driving after dark in Appleton or anywhere creates risks you don’t have to deal with during the day. Statistics show that a significantly higher percentage of serious and fatal collisions occur between 4 p.m. and sunrise. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly half of all car crash-related deaths occur at night.
Why Is It More Dangerous to Drive at Night in Appleton?
As it gets darker, there are many factors that increase the risk of a severe crash at night. These are some of the most common culprits you need to be aware of when driving between sundown and sunrise.
Here are some of the key reasons more severe or fatal crashes occur after dark:
Low Light Increases Risk of Driver Errors
Poor lighting conditions create a host of road safety problems that lead to serious accidents. When drivers cannot see the road clearly, they may make poor decisions about speed, following distance, and lane changes.
Vulnerable Road Users Are Harder to See
Pedestrians and cyclists become nearly invisible, due to dark clothing or walking where there are no street lights. Combining a lack of visibility with other driver errors or negligence creates potentially deadly situations.
Rural Roads With No Street Lights
Rural roads often have no street lighting whatsoever, forcing drivers to rely entirely on their headlights. When headlights are dirty, misaligned, or dim, drivers face extremely dangerous conditions that can lead to head-on collisions or running off the roadway.
More Impaired Drivers on the Road
Drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, and other substances create a high risk for other commuters. Alcohol, fatigue, drugs – even over-the-counter prescriptions, can impact your ability to drive or make decisions, even without the complication of reduced visibility.
Drowsy Drivers Struggling to Stay Awake
Shift workers with alternative schedules may often feel fatigued, zone out or struggle to stay awake, especially if their commute includes long stretches of highway.
When Do Most Fatal Car Crashes Occur in Appleton?
Impaired driving notoriously peaks late at night, especially on Friday and Saturday nights after social events where alcohol was consumed, not a good combination with late-night travel.
Which Drivers Are More Likely to Cause a Fatal Crash at Night
Driving late at night is difficult for most people. But there are certain groups of drivers that have a higher risk of causing a fatal crash at night.
Shift Workers Face Higher Risks
Individuals working late-night or overnight shifts at local manufacturing facilities, hospitals, and service industries often drive home exhausted. Their bodies have to fight natural circadian rhythms, making it extremely difficult to stay alert behind the wheel.
Young Drivers and Sleep Deprivation
Young drivers between ages 18 and 25 also experience higher rates of drowsy driving crashes. College students and young professionals frequently maintain irregular sleep schedules. Driving late at night while tired, combined with a lack of inexperience behind the wheel creates a significant crash risk.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Medical conditions and medications are another common factor known to increase drowsy driving risks. Drivers taking prescription medications, those with untreated sleep apnea, or individuals recovering from illness may not realize how their alertness is compromised.
Why Determining Liability for a Nighttime Crash Is Harder
Nighttime accidents present unique challenges for determining who was at fault for a crash.
- Witnesses who saw the crash may not have been able to make out exactly what happened.
- Taking clear photos at night also poses some problems – skid marks may be less visible, debris patterns are harder to photograph, and damage assessment more difficult to complete accurately.
- Witness testimony is less reliable when people cannot see clearly.
- Surveillance cameras may not capture useful footage in low-light conditions.
What Appleton Drivers Can Do to Prevent a Car Crash at Night
Preventing nighttime collisions requires planning ahead and making smart driving decisions. Preparation before setting off is as important as what you do while you are on the road. This approach to driving after dark may not prevent every hazard, but it goes a long way to keeping you safer when driving at night.
- Hydrate and Rest: Get sufficient rest each night and hydrate all day to avoid driving drowsy.
- Maintain Your Vehicle: Keep your vehicle serviced to avoid unexpected failures and breakdowns/
- Prep Before You Leave: Check that your windows are clean, mirrors adjusted and all lights working.
- Reduce Speed: Drive slower than daytime speeds, adjusting for reduced visibility and poor weather.
- Increase Following Distance: Allow extra space between your vehicle and others at night and avoid traveling between commercial vehicles. Their headlights are especially bright, and if the truck behind you fails to brake, you do not want to get slammed into another truck.
- Use High Beams: When appropriate, high beams significantly improve visibility range.
- Avoid Distractions: Put away phones and focus completely on the road ahead, constantly scanning around you for swerving drivers and other nighttime road hazards.
- Avoid Alcohol: Even small amounts can make you drowsy and impair your driving abilities.
- Know Your Limits: Do not get behind the wheel if you feel drowsy or impaired in any way.
How Experienced Appleton Attorneys Handle Complex Nighttime Accident Cases
At Sigman Janssen, we understand the unique challenges of nighttime crashes. We have a proven history of helping crash victims secure favorable outcomes after being injured by a negligent or reckless driver at night.
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize settlements, but we are familiar with their tactics and how to dispute them on your behalf. When you are dealing with serious injuries and mounting medical bills, you need attorneys who will aggressively pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Let our trusted law firm fight for you. (920) 328-0700