As we move into fall, the night will be arriving earlier and earlier. Very soon, we will spend much more of our time behind the wheel in darkness. As this yearly change takes hold, it is a good time to go over a few of the steps we can employ to stay safe as we drive during the nighttime hours.

When driving at night, it is important that you can see and be seen. You can make your car more visible by keeping its brake and signal lights working properly. Also, as you drive, you can turn your headlights on an hour or so prior to dusk and leave them for an hour past dawn.

In regard to improving your ability to see the road, make sure your headlights are clean and aligned. Additionally, you can eliminate glare by keeping your windshield clean. If you are a smoker, you may want to put your habit on hold while driving as smoke can impair your vision.

Obviously, your ability to see into the distance is greatly diminished during the nighttime. For this reason, it is a very good idea to slow down. The darkness can also make judging distances more difficult. As such, you should increase your following distance when driving behind other vehicles.

And remember, during the nighttime hours, the roads have many more impaired and fatigued drivers than when the sun is up. And under the cloak of darkness, such drivers may not be visible until the last second. Even if you are an alert and careful driver, you may not be able to avoid a collision with a negligent driver.

The impact of a nighttime car crash can leave victims with very serious injuries. Recovery from such injuries may take a long time. Expenses for care can create a seemingly insurmountable amount of debt for those who are not properly compensated.

If you are involved in a car accident, a personal injury attorney can investigate what happened and help you work toward getting remuneration.