Posted on Monday, June 20th, 2016 at 6:46 pm    

Is it more dangerous to drive at night? According to the National Safety Council, you are three times more likely to be in an accident resulting in a traffic death after dark. Driving at night is inherently more dangerous due to the lack of light, impaired drivers, fatigue, and rush hour. For drivers who have compromised night vision, the danger of being in a motor vehicle accident may be even higher because the driver may not see dangerous conditions in time to avoid them.

Because most of us cannot avoid driving after dark, there are things we can do to decrease our risk of being in a car accident at night. The steps we take now may prevent a serious car accident that claims the life of someone we love.

Safety Tips for Driving At Night

What can you do to avoid an accident when driving at night?

  • Check headlights, signal lights, and taillights. Replace burned out bulbs immediately and clean light covers regularly.
  • Keep your car windows clean to enhance your ability to see.
  • Have you headlights checked to ensure they are not misaligned. Misaligned headlights impair your ability to see oncoming traffic and obstructions in addition to impairing other drivers’ ability to see.
  • Do not drive if you are drowsy or fatigued. Your ability to react and concentrate is reduced when you are tired or drowsy.
  • Do not drink and drive or take drugs that impair your ability to drive.
  • Take breaks often if you are driving at night.
  • If you wear corrective lenses, never drive without wearing your glasses or contacts.
  • When you are following another vehicle or approaching another vehicle, turn off your high beams.
  • If an oncoming vehicle does not turn off its high beams, look to the right edge of the road and use that as a guide to avoid being blinded by the other vehicle’s high beams.
  • Use your headlights whenever you are in doubt — dusk, twilight, etc.
  • Reduce speed and distance. Speeding and following too closely contribute to many nighttime accidents.
  • Keep your inside lights off to avoid distraction.

Teen drivers may be at a higher risk for accident while driving at night due to inexperience. 

To help your teen driver be safer while driving at night, spend time riding with your teen driver at night. The more time you can spend in the car with your teen driver, the better you can judge how much additional instruction your teen driver needs.

What Should You Do If You Are In An Accident?

As with any time of day, some accident are unavoidable regardless of the safety measures you take. If you are in a nighttime accident, pull over to a safe place on the side of the road, if possible, and call 911. At night, you must be very careful about exiting your vehicle because other drivers may not see you. Unless absolutely necessary for safety reasons, try to remain in your vehicle until emergency personnel arrive.

If another driver has caused an accident and you are injured, contact our Sacramento personal injury attorneys for a free legal consultation. Contact Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website.

You have the legal right to receive compensation for injuries, losses, and damages resulting from a car accident caused by another driver. Call us today to find out how we can help you receive the maximum compensation allowable under California’s personal injury laws.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.