Although winter solstice began on Dec. 21, it seems like winter has just begun. This marks the official start of the winter season and a time when nights are the longest and days are the shortest in Providence, RI. What does the solstice mean to us in respect to driving? We all know that it can be more dangerous to drive after the sun goes down, so all should take caution this winter season to avoid getting into a car accident. If you were injured in a car accident, you may want to contact a Providence car accident lawyer.
How Do I Driving Safely When Days Are Short?
Here are a few tips to help you better navigate those darkened roadways during Providence’s long winter:
- Clean and adjust your external mirrors. Position your mirrors properly so you can see cars behind you. Switch your inside rear-view mirror to the Night or Auto Dim setting, which helps prevent glare.
- Keep your eyes healthy, which will help reduce the effects of eye fatigue at night while driving. Eye doctors recommend keeping your eyes moving instead of focusing on one area.
- Driving at dusk can be hard because your eyes are still getting used to the growing darkness. Turn your lights on so you can see better and others can see you.
- Slow down and follow other drivers with more than two-car lengths between you for ample braking time.
- Make frequent stops for breaks and stop driving to rest if you are too fatigued to drive.
Why Is Driving After Dark Is Dangerous?
Driving in the dark is dangerous because visibility is greatly reduced. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities on the road occur at a rate three times greater at night than during the day. While only a quarter of all driving is done after dark, more than half of all driving deaths occur during this time. So the dangers of driving after dark are very real. When we drive in the dark, our depth perception, our ability to distinguish color and our peripheral vision, are all diminished. Typical low beams light up the road from 160 to 250 feet ahead of your car and normal high beams shine from about 350 to 500 feet. At a speed of 60 mph, it takes more than 200 feet to come to a stop. So, there is really not a lot of room for error driving in low light conditions.
Contact a Providence Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured car accident, contact one of our experienced Providence car accident lawyers located at 390 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us at 401-831-8600 or toll free at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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