An Ohio car accident lawyer explains
Can a better headlight save lives? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nighttime car accidents were less frequent with cars that earned a good rating in an IIHS evaluation.
The IIHS rating system looked at different headlights and found that even headlights with average ratings were safer than those with poor ratings. The organization’s study – the first of its kind – shows that headlight quality can make a safety difference.
The IIHS states that federal headlight regulations, which have not changed since 1968, are not stringent enough. The government standard calls for minimum and maximum brightness on headlights but does not consider how well the headlight is aimed. It also does not look at how curve-adaptive headlights (equipped on some modern vehicles) may change the orientation when the vehicle is moving.
How to stay safe when driving at night
According to the IIHS, driving at night is three times as risky as driving during the day. IIHS has a list of headlight ratings for certain car models. But it’s not just headlights that can affect nighttime driving. Here are some steps to reduce the risk of an accident at night:
Dim the lights on your dash
You can see the road more clearly with internal lights set low.
Wear proper glasses
If you wear eyeglasses, make sure they have an anti-reflective coating.
Watch out for animals
A collision with a wild animal can lead to extensive damage to your vehicle and possible injuries.
Avoid staring at headlights
Oncoming cars with bright headlights can make it difficult to see the road ahead. Look away from the lights. Adjust your mirror so lights from cars behind you don’t affect your vision.
Clean your windshield
Windshields with residue might not be a big deal during the day but can create a problem when driving at night.
Keep your mirrors clean
Make sure your rearview mirror and the outside mirrors are clear of grime. Also, keep them properly adjusted to avoid light reflections.
Slow down
It’s always wise to drive at a safe speed, but it’s especially important to avoid speeding at night due to reduced visibility.
How a car accident attorney can help if you've been injured
There are many reasons why driving at night is more dangerous than traveling during the day. You might encounter drowsy drivers. Studies find that more drunk driving accidents occur at night, particularly between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m.
If you or a loved one was injured in a nighttime accident due to negligence, speak with an experienced Ohio car accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. Nighttime car accidents can lead to complicated personal injury claims. That's because the insurance company has a vested interest in paying you as little money as possible. As such, it's common for insurance adjusters to purposefully delay, dispute, and deny perfectly valid claims.
At Gervelis Law Firm, our attorneys know how to deal with the insurance company and aggressively advocate for the best interests of our clients. Whether it's in settlement negotiations or in court, we will fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help with your potential legal case. Our offices are located in Toledo, Columbus, Akron, Warren, and Canfield.