To Prevent Car Accidents In Aiken, Follow Our Tips For Driving After Dark
Fall has fully arrived in Aiken, South Carolina. The temperatures are getting cooler and the days are shorter. Daylight savings time in 2020 ends on November first, which means that it will be getting dark even earlier, just around 5:00 p.m. As this will impact people coming home from work and out running errands, it is important to be aware of the risks. Car accidents generally increase at night and can leave you and your passengers suffering serious personal injuries. To prevent car accidents in Aiken, follow our tips for driving after dark.
Night Time Car Accident Risks
Driving after dark is a necessity for most people, particularly once daylight savings time ends. Whether commuting home from work, taking children to activities, or doing your grocery shopping for the week, you need to be aware of the increased dangers drivers face. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), while we generally do only a third of our driving at night, it is the time of day you are most likely to get into a crash or collision. More than 50 percent of all traffic fatalities occur after dark, which translates into roughly 40,000 victims.
There is typically a spike in crashes that occurs once we “fall back” an hour, and car accident rates generally remain high throughout the winter months and into the spring. Car accidents at night impact other motorists as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. Poor visibility is a leading factor. In addition to making collisions more likely, not being able to see vehicles, people, or other obstacles in your path also increases the severity of these crashes.
After Dark Driving Tips To Prevent Car Accidents In Aiken
To reduce your risks of being involved in a car accident at night, there are some general safety precautions you can take:
Get your headlights adjusted. Make sure they are both even and pointing straight forward.
Replace burnt-out bulbs. This includes headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Clear away built-up grime. Dust and dirt on headlights and windows impact visibility. Wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks.
Dim your dashboard. Bright lights on your dashboard can cause momentary blindness at night.
Avoid looking directly at lights. When driving, avoid staring directly at another driver’s headlights. Look somewhat to the side instead.
Get enough sleep. Drowsy driving accidents are more common after dark.
Practice defensive driving skills. Avoid distractions and keep an eye out for motorists engaged in speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors, which are more common after dark.
Take care of your eyes. If you struggle with night blindness, speak to your doctor. The Mayo Clinic advises getting your eyes checked regularly, as well. If you wear glasses, consider investing in anti-glare lenses.
Contact Us for Help
To prevent car accidents in Aiken, follow our tips for driving after dark. However, if an accident does occur, the Surasky Law Firm can help you get the compensation you need to recover in a claim. To request a consultation, contact our Aiken car accident attorney today.
