Even when the sun sets in Kentucky, cars, tractor trailers and motorcycles still fill the roadways. Whether you are rushing home from work or are just going out to spend the evening with friends, driving at night can be more dangerous than driving during daylight hours. In fact, the National Safety Council reported that your chances of being involved in a fatal car accident are three times greater at night than they are during the day.
One reason why a deadly car accident is more common at night is due to the lack of natural light. You experience limited visibility once the sun goes down, especially when the roads are not lit properly. This is exaggerated in people who have eye conditions, such as cataracts. For instance, it is harder to determine the speed and distance of an oncoming vehicle at night than in full light. You may inadvertently pull out in front a vehicle traveling at a greater speed than you thought. People who are over the age of 50 often need twice the amount of light to see than a 30-year-old driver. It is best to always have your eyesight checked routinely to ensure you are okay to drive.
In addition to poor lighting, there are more drunk drivers on the road at night. It is crucial that you drive cautiously to avoid people who are displaying drunk driving behaviors. When you combine low light levels with other distractions, such as texting, it can increase the chances of an accident as well.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.
