John Price Law Blog

Night Driving Tips

The arrival of autumn in the Lowcountry is welcomed by many after a long summer with sometimes scorching days. As we make our way through the global pandemic, fall plans may take different forms this year. While some festivities may be on hold, spending time on the road is still a part of many families’ routines. Whether driving around town to socially distant activities or headed to an airbnb for a weekend away, the roads will be darker sooner as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends. In today’s post, we’re sharing tips for safe driving at night from a personal injury attorney in Charleston.

**Driving at Night Risks
**The National Safety Council (NSC) urges citizens to exercise caution on the roads as we ‘fall back,’ citing risks such as “shorter days, fatigue, compromised night vision, rush hour and impaired drivers.” NSC also notes the effects of the dark on depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision. Additionally, NSC reports half of traffic deaths take place at night. They go on to say, “it doesn’t matter whether the road is familiar or not, driving at night is always more dangerous.”

Safety Tips for Driving at Night

  1. Slow Your Speed : NSC recommends slowing your speed to account for limited visibility.
  2. Drive Alert : Geico emphasizes keeping yourself alert on the road, especially considering others may be drowsy.
  3. Drive Defensively : Understand others may be lacking sleep and not taking appropriate precautions (adjust your driving accordingly).
  4. Be Aware of Road Conditions : Changes in the weather could mean the roads are wet, debris is present or wildlife is on the move.
  5. Dim Dash Lights : Doing so will allow you to better focus your vision on the road.
  6. Check Your Vehicle : Drive Safely suggests cleaning your windshield and checking your lights (headlights and taillights).
  7. Limit Distractions : Distracted driving is dangerous day and night. The CDC urges drivers to avoid visual, manual and cognitive distractions.
  8. Leave More Space : Add another second to the NSC’s 3-second rule because of road conditions.
  9. Audit Your Eyewear : Geico reminds drivers to have their vision checked yearly, and NSC advises reaching for anti-reflective glasses.
  10. Keep Your Vehicle Serviced : You’ll want adequate tread on your tires and well-maintained brakes to ensure your vehicle can handle road conditions and emergencies.

We’re Here to Help

In need of a personal injury attorney in Charleston? Contact our firm if you or a loved one has been the victim of an auto accident in South Carolina. We offer a free consultation and 24-hour answering service. We have five convenient locations, with three South Carolina locations being fully staffed with full-time attorneys and experienced support staff, or we can meet you at your home or hospital, with evening and weekend appointments available. Call John Price Law Firm, LLC at (843) 552-6011.

Additional Resources:

https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/night-driving
https://www.geico.com/living/driving/auto/car-safety-insurance/driving-at-night
https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/night-driving-tips-what-you-need-know
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/index.html#:~:text=Each%20day%20in%20the%20United,to%20involve%20a%20distracted%20driver.&text=Distracted%20driving%20is%20driving%20while,your%20attention%20away%20from%20driving.
https://arrivesafeusa.org/3-second-rule