Did you know that less than 25% of driving takes place at night? However, nearly 50% of those who die in traffic accidents do so at night.
In addition, these auto accidents are three times more likely to be fatal. If you have to drive at night, you should know the risks.
Fatigue
Your body and mind grow tired as night approaches. Working and driving at night can disrupt your body’s natural cycle, causing extended sleep deprivation. According to the National Sleep Foundation, many drivers have fallen asleep behind the wheel. Therefore, you or someone you share the road with may actually be asleep while driving.
Visibility
At night, you may have difficulty seeing things on the road, and oncoming headlights can temporarily blind you. In addition, although road signs and roads have reflective materials, weather and wear can obscure them. Age can also play a role in nighttime visibility, especially if you have age-related diseases, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
Construction
Many larger cities do the bulk of their construction at night. They often have high-powered lights, increased traffic and workers on the roads, making these areas especially hazardous.
Impaired drivers
More inebriated individuals are on the roads at night than during the day, and the accidents that involve these individuals are much more likely to be fatal. However, more than alcohol can impair your driving. In fact, prescription medication, even taken as prescribed, can impact drivers’ capabilities.
To protect yourself while you drive at night, watch for swerving or drifting vehicles, turn down the lighting inside your car, such as on your dashboard, and look at delineator posts or painted lines away from oncoming headlights. Stay up-to-date on your vehicle maintenance and cleanliness, and expand the distance between you and other vehicles on the road.