For many, driving at night is much more relaxing than driving during the day. There are fewer cars on the road which means less traffic. However, when you are traveling in an area with little to no street lighting, it can pose serious dangers. If you are injured due to the negligence of another driver and poor visibility, you’ll want to keep reading. You’ll discover the dangers of driving in darkness while learning how a Houston auto accident lawyer can help fight for the justice you deserve.
Why Is Poor Street Lighting Dangerous?
When you are driving in an area with no street lighting, you’re at an increased risk for danger. This is due to the fact that hazards on the road may not be as visible to motorists. If there are stalled vehicles on the side of the road or animals, debris, or pedestrians in the street, a driver may not be able to see them until it is too late to safely stop.
Similarly, a lack of street lighting also increases the risk of a driver not seeing street signs. As a result, they may not see the posted speed limit indicating that they must slow down. Similarly, they may be unable to see a sign informing them of an upcoming blind curve.
What Can I Do to Stay Safe?
If you are driving and approaching an area with no street lights, you can take steps to decrease the risk of injury. The most important thing you can do is to slow down. The faster you are traveling, the less time you have to react to hazards.
You may also want to consider turning your high beams on to increase visibility. However, the sudden onset of light can cause you to become blinded for a few seconds. Similarly, if there are other cars approaching, you can temporarily blind them due to the brightness of the lights.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured?
If injured in an area with no street lights due to a negligent driver, you’ll immediately want to contact emergency services. Doing so allows you to receive emergency medical attention while calling law enforcement to the scene. The police can create a report by examining the collision and speaking to both drivers. If the other driver was negligent, such as speeding or using their phone while driving, they can be held responsible.
You’ll also need to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. At the Gonzalez Law Group, our dedicated legal team can help you through this process. We believe that an injured party has the right to pursue damages when they are hurt due to the negligence of another party. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for you.
