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Night driving requires safety adjustments

On Behalf of | Sep 23, 2019 | Car Accidents |

According to a recent study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, roughly 168 million drivers claim they have driven while drowsy during the previous year. Even worse, 103 million drivers say they have fallen asleep while behind the wheel. Driving conditions in West Virginia can change based on the weather or road conditions, and driving at night can bring hazards that are not present during the daytime. The glare that comes from approaching headlights, for example, can cause drivers to lose track of the road.

Drivers may be affected by the glare of approaching headlights when they are still as far as 3,000 feet away. In such a situation, it can be a good idea to reduce speed and look toward the right side of the road, rather than toward the approaching headlights. For drivers in dark-colored vehicles, putting reflective tape on the car can offer more visibility to other drivers at night.

Additionally, while traveling at night, drivers should reduce their speeds to match the range of their own headlights. Headlights on the high beam setting are generally effective for a distance of around 300 feet ahead of the vehicle. Drivers should keep their eyes moving even though their range of vision is more limited at night. High beams should be switched to low beams when following another vehicle or approaching a vehicle coming from the opposite way.

Failure to reduce headlight strength can cause glare and lead to crashes. Someone who has been injured due to another party’s negligent driving might be entitled to compensation from an insurance company. A West Virginia lawyer who handles car accident injury cases could help an injured victim by gathering documentary evidence or deposing witnesses. This will help the lawyer to negotiate a monetary settlement.