Night Time Car Crashes Have More Fatalities

By Zane T. Cagle | January 24, 2017 | Car Accidents, Drunk Driving, Featured, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

Car Crash Fatalities Increase at Night

This fact probably surprises few. Darkness obviously impacts visibility. Since riding in a motor vehicle is something we all do almost daily, we forget how dangerous it can actually be. It is probably one of the most dangerous things each of us do daily.

Thus, you should know what to do immediately if you are involved in a motor vehicle incident.

Across the U.S., 49 percent of all fatal car crashes occur at night. Night driving (lower visibility) increases the risk of fatal crashes according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA).

Other factors that contribute to fatal car crashes:

• Drunk drivers – 54 percent of car crashes at night involve an impaired driver compared to just 18 percent during the day
• Speeding – in 2005, 30 percent of fatal crashes involved speeding
• Lack of Safety Belts- Two-thirds of people killed in night-time car crashes were not wearing their seat belts compared to less than 50 percent of those killed in daytime car crashes. Safety tip–wear your seat belt.
• Peak Traffic- In the winter months with fewer daylight hours, more commuters are driving to and from work in the dark. An increase in traffic combined with the dark combines for increased car crashes.

Driving Tips for Night-Time Travel

The greatest amount of motor vehicle

• Avoid driving in the dark and opt for day travel when you can.
• Avoid driving at peak traffic times–vary up your schedule if you can to miss heavy traffic. Many people do fluctuate their driving schedules just to avoid the traffic jam headaches.
• Wear your seatbelt and make sure all occupants in your car are properly restrained
• Never, never drink and operate a motor vehicle
• Follow the speed limit and reduce your speed if traffic is heavy or weather is inclement
• Use your turn signals and follow all of the rules of the road
• Refrain from tailgating and reduce rear-end crashes
• Avoid distracted driving–put your phone down and focus on the task of driving
• Never run a yellow light

If You Have Been Involved in a Car Crash

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle crash, seek medical treatment immediately. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our expert car crash attorneys right away.

We understand if you are hurt, you will need legal representation to obtain the compensation that you need and deserve.

Call our attorneys at (314) 276-1681.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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