As the summer months approach, many Tennessee residents will be traveling to and from vacation destinations. Many drivers prefer to travel at night to avoid peak traffic times. But driving at night is far different from driving during the day. Here are some tips to help drivers avoid accidents when traveling through the night.
Avoid drowsy driving
Falling asleep at the wheel is a big risk that comes with driving at night. Even when a driver is sleepy, he or she can be at risk of causing an accident. According to studies, driving after being awake for 18 hours or more is comparable to having a blood alcohol content of .05. When traveling at night, make sure to get plenty of rest and take breaks as needed.
Clean the windshield and headlights
Dirt and grime don’t take long to build up on a windshield. Visibility is greatly reduced at night, so having a clean windshield is important. Also, make sure the vehicle’s headlights are clean so that they can give off the appropriate amount of light.
Slow down and drive defensively
Reduce speed when driving at night since visibility is lower. When a vehicle is traveling too fast the driver will have less time to react if something unexpected happens. It is also harder to spot pedestrians or animals near the road at night, so drive defensively and always stay focused on the road ahead.
What to do after an accident
Unfortunately, the odds of an accident increase drastically when traveling at night. Those in Tennessee who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by the negligence of another party can get help by speaking with a legal professional. By filing a lawsuit, victims could obtain much-needed compensation to help pay medical expenses and replace lost wages.