Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Blog

While the nights may be getting shorter, driving after dark remains the deadliest time on Pennsylvania roadways. Driving after dark accounts for 25% of all driving on Pennsylvania highways. A study published by Penn State University revealed that Pennsylvania drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a car accident at nighttime than during the day. In Pennsylvania, 55% of all fatal car accidents occur after dark.

As an experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer for over three decades, I am well aware of the dangers faced by drivers driving at night. Low light conditions diminish a driver’s ability to distinguish color and contrast, as well as depth perception and peripheral vision. Because driving at night decreases a driver’s ability to judge the speed and distance of other vehicles on the road, it is important for drivers to keep a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them. It is important to note that it takes a vehicle traveling at 60 mph more than 200 feet to reach a complete stop.

In addition to impaired sight, drivers driving at night should always be aware of driver fatigue. Driver fatigue results in reduced concentration and a decrease in a reaction speed. A recent study reported by New Scientist magazine found that "driving for just 80 minutes without a break can make motorists a danger on the roads". The study found that drivers who do not take frequent rest stops have slower reactions than those who break up long journeys.

Getting out of a vehicle on or near a roadway at night is extremely dangerous and results in thousands of catastrophic injuries and deaths. Each year, I receive a number of phone calls involving individuals who were catastrophically injured or killed as a result of being struck by a vehicle while standing along a busy roadway at night. As an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney familiar with the dangers of nighttime driving, I advise all drivers experiencing a car accident or breakdown to remain in their vehicle and immediately turn on their emergency flashers and interior vehicle lights while waiting for assistance.

If you or a loved one was injured as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle or you were involved in car accident occurring in dark conditions, it is important that you contact an experienced catastrophic injury and wrongful death attorney to investigate your claim.

Since 1979, the catastrophic automobile accident lawyers of Reiff & Bily have successfully represented pedestrians, passengers, and drivers who have suffered serious injury or death in a nighttime car accident. The experienced Philadelphia car accident law firm of Reiff & Bily has the knowledge and personal experience necessary to investigate nighttime car accidents and pedestrian accidents occurring on dark roads. If you or a loved one has been catastrophically injured or killed as a result of a nighttime car crash, please feel free to contact us for a free, no obligation consultation at (800) 421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.