Nighttime driving is inherently hazardous. The data is clear: More motor vehicle collisions happen after the sun goes down. While far less driving happens at night, there are still many crashes. At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, we have the skills and experience to handle all types of nighttime driving collisions. Here, our Charleston car accident attorney provides an overview of nighttime driving in South Carolina, including the statistics and the causes.
Know the Data: Traffic Crash Rate Jumps After the Sun Goes Down
There are more crashes after sunset and before sunrise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that “the passenger vehicle occupant fatality rate at nighttime is about three times higher than the daytime rate.” Indeed, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports that approximately 25 percent of all crashes and 50 percent of all fatal accidents happen after dark.
The Most Common Causes of Nighttime Driving Collisions
Why do more motor vehicle accidents happen at night? There are a number of different reasons. Some of the leading risks associated with nighttime driving in South Carolina include:
- Reduced Visibility: Visibility is the big issue at night. Darkness limits a driver’s ability to see hazards, road signs, and other vehicles. Even with headlights, peripheral vision and depth perception are both compromised. It can contribute to a crash.
- Glare from Oncoming Headlights: Bright headlights from other vehicles can temporarily blind drivers, especially on dark roads, leading to disorientation and a higher likelihood of crashes. Notably, modern headlights are even more blinding.
- Driver Fatigue: Many nighttime accidents occur because drivers are tired and less alert. Fatigue slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and can even cause drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel. Drivers who are too tired should stay off of the road.
- Impaired Driving: It is no secret that nighttime hours often coincide with higher rates of alcohol and drugs. Drivers returning from social events may overestimate their ability to operate a vehicle. Intoxication leads to poor judgment and slower reaction times.
- Poor Road Conditions: Road hazards are an even bigger risk at night. After dark, potholes, debris, or animals on the road are harder to spot. Limited lighting in rural areas exacerbates this issue. Road hazards can cause single-vehicle crashes and multi-car accidents.
Following an accident, you need full and fair financial compensation. A Charleston, SC, auto accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top-Tier Charleston Car Accident Attorney
At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, our Charleston auto accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust when it matters most. If you were involved in a nighttime crash, we are here to help. Injured victims need full and fair financial compensation. Call us now or contact us online for your free case review. With a law office in Charleston, we handle car accident claims throughout the wider region of South Carolina.