One of the most problematic aspects of winter for a lot of people is the short daylight hours – simply because that often means navigating the roads in the dark.
Driving at night presents a unique set of challenges that can make it a daunting experience for even the most experienced of drivers. Here’s why:
Reduced visibility is a given
Unlike the eyes of nocturnal creatures, the human eye has adapted to see best in the daytime. When it’s dark out, it’s harder to see the road, along with potential hazards, road signs and pedestrians that might be around. Depth perception, too, can be compromised by the reduced lighting conditions, making it very difficult for a driver to judge the distance between their own vehicle and another.
Age-related vision loss is another problem
The vast majority of people start to notice problems with their night vision when they are 45 years of age or older, and they continue to lose more of their night vision with each passing year. That can make it difficult for older drivers to see through the glare or “halo” from oncoming headlights, spot street signs, see the lane divisions clearly or judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles.
Fatigue is also a big issue
It’s estimated that one out of every three adults in this country is “running on fumes” and totally sleep-deprived – and the human body’s internal clock naturally signals that darkness means it’s time to wind down and get some rest. This can increase the amount of fatigue a driver feels when driving in the dark, which can leave them error-prone.
If you’re injured in a nighttime accident with an errant driver, you need to protect your interests. Legal guidance can help you assert your right to fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
