Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers: Risks of Driving in the Fall

Fall is here, bringing cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and shorter days. As it starts to grow darker earlier, drivers are at an increased risk of being involved in a serious car accident. In fact, research conducted by the National Safety Council shows that traffic fatalities are three times greater at night. Baltimore car accident lawyers report that this is due to the factors below.

As daylight fades, it affects the vision of drivers, including depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision. The headlights from an oncoming vehicle can temporarily blind a driver, especially if the oncoming vehicle has their high beams on.

Drivers can take the following steps to avoid a wreck:

• Keep headlights clean at all times
• Dim any dashboard lights
• Wear anti-reflective glasses
• Clean windshield to eliminate streaks that could impair vision
• Reduce speed during times of limited visibility

Compromised Night Vision: Our ability to see at night becomes more difficult as we age. The American Optometric Association urges older drivers to take the following steps:

• Have eyes checked once a year
• Reduce driving speed
• Take a driving class to stay current on any rules that may have changed
• Focus attention on the road and avoid any distractions
• Confirm with your doctor whether any medication you are taking has side effects that could affect your driving
• Be honest with yourself and others about your ability to drive at night

Rush Hour: Avoid rush hour collisions during an evening commute:

• Be patient
• Avoid constantly changing lanes
• Stay alert even if traffic is moving very slowly
• Do not use your phone, or eat or drink, or anything else that takes your attention away from the road

Impaired and Drowsy Driving Tips

In addition to the seasonal changes, both impaired and drowsy driving affect motorists year-round. Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to be on the roads after dark. Avoid vehicles that appear to be swerving in and out of lanes. Leave plenty of space between yourself and another driver if the other motorist appears to be driving while impaired.

Drowsy driving is all too common, but it only takes a matter of seconds for a tragic car accident to happen from falling asleep behind the wheel. The Transportation Accident Commission offers the following advice to avoid driver fatigue:

• Make sure you are getting enough sleep
• Share the driving responsibilities
• Take breaks, especially on long trips
• Pull over and take a nap if you feel like you cannot stay awake

Remain vigilant. In 2013, approximately 35,500 people lost their lives in car accidents. Simple safety precautions can save your life, as well as other drivers with whom you are sharing the road.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims Involved in Nighttime Crashes

 If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We are on your side and will work hard to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. To set up a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.