Suffering From Night Blindness? Precautions To Reduce Maryland Car Accident Risks

Now that the days are shorter, many people commute to work, run errands, and go on outings with family and friends after dark. Unfortunately, driving at night poses serious problems for some drivers and can increase Maryland car accident risks.

Whether you suffer from night blindness or simply have a little trouble seeing after dark, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself, your passengers, and those you may encounter on the road. Our Maryland car accident attorneys help clients in these cases get the maximum amount they need to recover. We explain more about the risk and recommend tips to increase traffic safety throughout the winter season.

Night Driving Difficult For Many Maryland Motorists

Now that Daylight Saving Time is over, it is getting dark as early as 5:00 p.m. Unfortunately, as car accidents in Maryland are most likely to happen at night, drivers need to be aware of potential risks.

Night blindness is a common problem for many Maryland motorists. However, even if your vision is perfect, driving after dark can still pose problems. The National Safety Council warns that visibility is limited to 250 feet in front of you at night and 500 feet if using your high beams. Unfortunately, poor visibility makes it harder to anticipate and respond to any changes in traffic or road conditions. Other common problems associated with driving at night that can increase Maryland car accident risks include:

• Increased risk of glare due to street lamps, headlights, or even your dashboard;
• Difficulty seeing lane markings;
• Depth perception impacts, making it harder to determine how close you are to other drivers;
• Increased drowsy driving risks, as motorists are more likely to be tired after dark.

Play It Safe To Reduce Maryland Car Accident Risks

Drive Safe Online Traffic School offers courses that help lower insurance premiums and fulfill traffic violation requirements. They warn that driving at night can be more difficult the older you get and if you are nearsighted or have problems such as cataracts and astigmatism.

Regardless of the reasons, be aware of how night blindness impacts not only your own safety but that of other drivers. To reduce the risks, follow these tips:

• Have your vision checked at least once per year;
• If you wear prescription glasses, request glare-resistant lenses;
• Speak to your doctor to determine if your night blindness is a symptom of another problem;
• Lower the setting on dashboard lights to reduce glare;
• Clean your windshield thoroughly inside and out;
• Consider reducing the number of trips you take at night, relying on ridesharing or other drivers instead.

Injured In A Crash? Consult Our Maryland Car Accident Attorneys

Berman, Sobin, Gross LLP provides trusted legal representation to people who get injured in car accidents in Maryland. If you or someone you love is hurt, our Maryland car accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you need to recover. To schedule a consultation, contact our office today.

Sources:

nsc.org/road/safety-topics/driving-at-night?srsltid=AfmBOorFxIitt3NNb85WJjAClebwVeSQXw8AfSfZVAdAOnXAbtGO2etr

drivesafeonline.org/traffic-school/dangers-of-night-blindness/#:~:text=Night%20blindness%20significantly%20increases%20the,which%20can%20lead%20to%20collisions.