Driving at just about any point of the day or night could be potentially dangerous. However, the changing nature of dusk and dawn driving conditions make those two times of the day especially dangerous. However, following some useful safety tips can help reduce your risk of a car accident.
The changing light conditions at dawn and dusk can make it harder to see the road. It also can make it harder to see pedestrians, especially smaller school-age children walking to the bus stop or school. The best way to prevent accidents is to slow down and abide by the posted speed limits.
Additionally, Pennsylvania has a very high deer population, and those deer love to roam at dusk and dawn. A good rule of thumb is to look out for deer from about 30 minutes prior to sunup or sundown until about 30 minutes after either sunrise or sunset. When road signs warn drivers of deer crossings, those areas can be especially dangerous during dusk and dawn.
Changing Light Conditions Cause Many Dangers
The hardest part about driving at dusk or dawn is the rapidly changing light conditions. Many drivers find it more difficult to see the road clearly when the sun is rising or setting. Your eyes are adjusting constantly, and the sun could blind you while it is low in the horizon.
It always helps to make strategic use of the window visors to block the sun as much as possible. You should keep a pair of sunglasses handy, and use them when the sun is low but bright. When the sun is setting, turning on the headlights early and driving with them on dim to avoid blinding oncoming drivers can make it easier to see at dusk.
Glare is a major factor in causing accidents at dusk and dawn. Road glare can make it difficult to see the road, but polarized sunglasses can help to counteract that effect. Window glare is especially dangerous and can block your vision. When sunlight strikes dirt and grime on a windshield, the dirt and grime refract the light and create a blinding glare. It is very important to keep the windscreen clean and ensure your vehicle’s wiper fluid is full and the windshield wipers are in good condition.
Chester County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Assist Clients After Dusk and Dawn Collisions
Driving at dusk or dawn is dangerous for a variety of reasons. If you were injured due to another driver’s error at dusk or dawn, reach out to one of our experienced Chester County car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. today. Contact us online or call us at 610-565-3701 to schedule an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.