Why are These Times So Deadly, and What Can You as a Driver Do About It?
Driving at dawn and dusk is particularly dangerous, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of accidents.
Dawn and dusk are dangerous times to drive for a few reasons. First and foremost, the contrast between the light sky and dark road may prevent a driver’s vision from properly adjusting. This can be compounded by glare: The glare from either sunrise or sunset can make it harder to see the road or potential hazards. Another factor: humans. Drowsy driving and distracted drivers also contribute to accidents at these times.
AAA and other experts offer the following best practices for driving at dusk and dawn:
- Clean your car—especially take care to clean headlights and the interior and exterior of your windshield.
- Turn on headlights (low beams, only) before it gets dark so other drivers can see you.
- Turn down dash lights, which can reduce your eyes’ ability to see lights on the road.
- At dusk or dawn, only wear sunglasses when the sun is directly in your eyes. If you wear prescription glasses, consider polarized lenses to reduce glare.
- Use your sun visor.
- Use lane markings as guides when visibility is reduced. If oncoming traffic is blinding you, use the left edge of the road as a guide until visibility improves.
- Reduce speed.
- Minimize distractions. Stop playing with your radio and cell phone, and minimize eating and drinking behind the wheel.
- Lookout for drivers who may be drowsy or distracted. And if you’re drowsy, don’t get behind the wheel.
No matter how many steps you can take, though, accidents do still happen. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, contact the team at Kelly Law, to see if we can help you protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
