It is said that as we age, our vision tends to suffer as do many of our other capabilities. While it is true that many adults have a more difficult time seeing at night, nighttime itself can be a rather dangerous time to be out on the roadway. There are many factors that contribute to accidents, nighttime driving included as one. Based on research conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), “the risk of a fatal crash is three times greater at night.” Of course, there are times when we simply cannot avoid driving at night so it is important to be cognizant of the ways you can avoid these hazards that lurk on the roadways when the sun is “sleeping.”
Did you recently engage in an accident? Were you a driver or a pedestrian? Are you currently suffering with any injuries? If so, you need to speak with a licensed and skilled Syracuse, New York accident lawyer in your area who can provide you with some important information regarding your accident and what you might be entitled to receive.
How Can I Decrease my Chances of Engaging in a Nighttime Accident?
When driving at night, there are three things that are comprised:
- Depth perception
- Color recognition
- Peripheral vision
Have you ever driven at night and thought you were approaching a lit up building ahead only to get closer and realize it was a semi-truck? The fact is, with all the blinding lights and glare that come from many of the other lights that are present on the roadway, you aren’t able to see as clearly as you would like. Your “visibility is limited to about 500 feet (250 feet for normal headlights) creating less time to react to something in the road, especially when driving at higher speeds.”
Some of the ways the NSC suggests you can combat the darkness is by:
- Aiming your headlights correctly.
- Make sure they are clean.
- Looking away from oncoming lights.
- Wear anti-reflective glasses if you are required to wear any.
- Clear your windshield to eliminate any streaks.
- Drive at a slower speed to help compensate for the limited visibility and reduced stopping time.
Is Your Night Vision Being Compromised?
As mentioned, age not only brings along with it experience, but a decrease in our visibility. According to the American Optometry Association, “a 50-year old driver may need twice as much light to see well as a 30-year old.” Many older drivers who are operating their vehicles at night have comprised vision as some have cataracts and others have degenerative eye diseases. This makes for driving at night even more riskier than it would be for the average individual. So, if you are an elderly driver, don’t forget to have your annual vision exams, minimize your distractions, and make every attempt to limit your driving to only doing so during the day.
In the event you have already become the victim to a life-threatening injury caused by an accident on the roadway, let USAttorneys.com find you the best accident attorney in Syracuse, NY who can ensure the compensation you need and deserve is the compensation you are provided with.
Source:
Why is the Darkness a Dangerous Time for Drivers?
