As the sun sets and the city lights turn on, certain things change. The streets may seem quiet, the air gets cooler, the traffic will be a little less crazy, but when it comes to pedestrians, nighttime increases the level of risk significantly. Many people do not realize that the number of pedestrian accidents is far greater during nighttime than during daylight hours. This may seem odd to some; after all, there are fewer vehicles on the road. This reality often confuses some individuals.
The increased pedestrian accidents at night are a combination of many different factors, making it necessary to work with a pedestrian accident attorney in Atlanta after the incident. It is essential to understand the reasons behind the increased risk in order for both drivers and individuals who walk to share the roadways more safely. Here is why pedestrian accidents are more common at night.
Reduced Visibility
One of the most obvious reasons why nighttime is more dangerous for pedestrians is that there is reduced visibility. When daylight is gone, it becomes difficult for drivers to see what is ahead, even if streetlights are on. While headlights can illuminate the road somewhat, they only do so for a limited distance. A pedestrian dressed in dark clothing, walking the curb, or crossing mid-block, may be completely invisible until it is too late.
Even reflective signs or signals can be missed by a driver who is distracted or has their sight impaired by an oncoming headlight or glare from wet road surfaces. Reduced visibility affects not only drivers, but it creates challenges for a pedestrian trying to safely judge the distance and speed of vehicles when crossing an intersection, resulting in a misstep. Being aware of this point is crucial. In case you were involved in an accident, it would be better to hire a pedestrian accident attorney in Atlanta to smoothly navigate legal procedures.
Driver Fatigue
Another major factor that contributes to nighttime pedestrian accidents is the impairment and fatigue of the driver. Fatigue causes slower reaction time, decreased attention, and an increased chance of committing an error. A fatigued driver and a pedestrian who steps out unexpectedly are a potentially deadly combination.
In addition to fatigue, alcohol consumption tends to lead to increase after dark for both drivers and pedestrians. Impaired and drunk drivers are an obvious cause of nighttime accidents, as they can drift out of their lane, ignore traffic signals, and not even see a person on the street. Meanwhile, a pedestrian who is drunk is likely to have poor judgment and set themselves up for a dangerous encounter by doing something like jaywalking or walking into traffic. Due to this, the road becomes very dangerous at nighttime.
Truck accidents are also quite common during nighttime, which is why a renowned truck accident lawyer in Atlanta plays a huge role when it comes to resolving the case. It is important to stay aware and be careful as a pedestrian and if you are drunk, it is ideal to avoid walking altogether.
Dangerous Pedestrian Behavior
Drivers are not the sole contributors to nighttime accidents. Pedestrians themselves often take additional risks, either intentionally or unknowingly. Some people choose to cross the streets mid-block, rather than at the intersection, especially if they are in a hurry or if the road appears to be empty. Others may walk without paying attention to their surroundings, such as while they text, wear ear buds or headphones to listen to music, etc.
At night, people may develop the assumption that if they look for headlights coming down the road, then they will be able to safely cross the road without issue. This is a behavior that has a low probability of being true, because accurately estimating the distance or speed of oncoming vehicles in low light conditions is tough. It is best to avoid such risky behaviors. In case you still end up getting involved in an accident, hire an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in Atlanta to get the justice you deserve.
Conclusion
Nighttime pedestrian crashes are an emerging concern that cannot be overlooked. Reduced visibility, tired and impaired drivers and poor decision-making on the part of pedestrians represent a real threat after dark. Pedestrian safety needs to be a shared responsibility regardless of the time of day.
In the case of a nighttime pedestrian accident, the aftermath can be a bit too much to bear. At Karma Injury Law, we walk you through every step with clarity, consideration, and our expertise. Contact us soon to discuss how we can help.
