Broward Injury Lawyer Blog
Driving at night can be dangerous, particularly as we enter the height of season, which includes spring break. Broward pedestrians face some of the highest risks.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), about 40 percent of drivers worry about hitting a pedestrian or an animal while driving at night. Another 25 percent of drivers worry about not seeing road markings.
Our Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyers understand the problems that nighttime driving pose to the safety of all travelers. According to a recent study, about 70 percent of drivers fear evening driving. This fear stems from a lack of visibility. We base about 90 percent of our movements at night behind the wheel on what we can see. When our visibility is reduced, the risks for accidents skyrocket.
With tourist season in full swing and Spring Break right around the corner, we’ve got pedestrians and bicyclists along our roadways at all hours of the night — especially in the downtown area. These spots are popular for both residents and tourists as they provide plenty of entertainment. Unfortunately, they also present some serious risks for collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians and bicyclists.
Although there’s 60 percent less travel during the evening hours, this time sees about 40 percent of fatal traffic accidents. There accidents can be avoided with a little awareness.
Officials with MADD offer you some safety tips to help your nighttime driving. Review the following tips and share them with friends and family members to help to reduce the risks of accidents for everyone.
Safe Nighttime Driving:
-Before you head out at night, make sure you’re well rested. The last thing you want to do is drive while feeling sleepy at the wheel. Try to avoid driving while your internal clock says you should be sleeping. If you’ve got to drive during this time, make sure you’re well rested.
-Check your vehicle’s mirrors. Make sure they’re clean, clear and positioned properly.
-Have your headlights checked. Make sure they’re angled to positions that help you. Oftentimes little bumps and turns can throw off the angling of your headlights. Make sure to have them realigned.
-Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good working order. You also want to make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is topped off. The last thing you need is to be stuck on the road at night when it’s dark in inclement weather without the ability to keep your windshield clean.
-Stay alert. You want to keep your eyes moving. Keep an eye out for pedestrians. bicyclists and other travelers along our roadways. The last place you want to direct your attention toward is a cell phone, a GPS or on another passenger.
-Never outdrive your headlights. This means that if you can’t stop within the area that’s illuminated in front of you, then you’re driving too fast.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a traffic accident, contact Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorney Richard Ansara at 954 761-3641 or toll-free at 877-277-3780 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case.
More Blog Entries:
Traffic and Roadwork on A1A Increasing Pedestrian Accident Risks, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, February 24, 2013
Hit-and-Run Drivers Causing South Florida Traffic Accidents, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, February 20, 2013
