Tips For Driving In Florida At Night
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
It is understandable that many people would prefer to drive at night especially in busy cities like Port Charlotte. Traffic is expected to be lighter during night time as the roads are not as busy. The weather is also cooler and you can enjoy the night breeze while driving. However, driving at night is not just about enjoyment, and traveling in the dark has its own risks. If you love taking night trips or are planning to drive late into the night, here are five safety tips that you should keep in mind:
• Buckle up! - This may be a very basic reminder but many drivers often forget or completely ignore this rule. Wearing seatbelts is a must in Florida, no matter where you are in the state. Whether you traveling just within Port Charlotte or outside of it, you must at all costs fasten your seatbelt before going out on the road.
Wearing seatbelts will save you from sustaining the worst injuries you can have when an accident happens, which are more likely to occur during nighttime. It also increases your chances of surviving an accident.
• Check If Your Car Lights Are Functioning - Remember that you are traveling in the dark where it is hard to see what is on the road. Driving at night without lights on is only asking for disaster. Aside from being unable to spot what’s ahead of you, it will also make it hard for other vehicles to spot you and this can cause a nasty car collision. Moreover, lights will help you see road signs that can help you navigate the road.
Blind curves, pedestrian lanes, and intersections can be hard to see in the dark, and failing to slow down in these areas can lead to collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
• Don’t Drive When You’re Sleepy Or Tired - You may have chosen to stay late at the office so you can drive at night when there’s less traffic, but this also means that you might be lacking in rest and are already feeling sleepy. Do not drive if you are feeling exhausted as you are at risk of losing focus and falling asleep while on the road.
Falling asleep while driving is one of the top causes of car accidents in Florida. If you are feeling sleepy, take a quick nap before driving or park at the side of a road to get enough rest before continuing your drive home.
• Always Observe Traffic Rules - The temptation to break and not observe road traffic rules at night is strong. You might be thinking no one can see you breaking them and driving past the speed limit won’t hurt because there are fewer vehicles out. However, ignoring traffic rules is only asking for trouble especially late at night. The dark should not be an excuse to be reckless.
Car accidents are most likely to happen at night given that it is harder to see in the dark and more drivers are risking being reckless with the rules. If you get involved in a car crash due to another driver’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional car crash lawyer.