When you are driving at night there are many differences that you need to be aware of, as problems and issues can occur that don’t exist in the daylight. Your vehicle has headlights to deal with these situations and to shine a light on difficult matters on the road, but it’s your job to know what’s out there.
Here are a few causes of road accidents at night to be aware of:
- Poor visibility;
- Driver fatigue;
- Drinking and driving;
- Animals on the road; and
- Speeding.
Poor Visibility
When driving at night, it will take your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and inexperienced drivers are more likely to have problems in these conditions. It also becomes more difficult to see cyclists or pedestrians on the roads, while animals may run out on the roads when you least expect it. This is why it is important to enter a driving course and practice driving at night so that you become used to these conditions.
Driver Fatigue
Driving while fatigued is a serious problem, and is comparable to drinking and driving. When driving fatigued, drivers can drift off to sleep at the wheel, while making dangerous maneuvers on the roads because of lack of sleep. It’s important to rest up before taking long trips if you do not feel up to the drive.
Drinking and Driving
Unfortunately, drunk drivers are more likely to be out on the roads at night. This is why you need to pay attention to the road at all times and report any unusual behaviour to the police.
Animals on the Road
At night, there are many different animals that will jump out onto the road at a moments notice. Deer, foxes, rabbits, raccoons, and skunks are only a few of the creatures you might encounter during the night. This is why you should slow down and use your high beams when the visibility is bad, so that you are able to avoid the animal in time.
Speeding
Speeding at night can be extremely dangerous. While driving at night, you need to be extra cautious and slow down so that you are aware of the pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and other drivers around you.
There are over one million commercial vehicles (i.e. trucks greater than 4,500 kg or buses with seating for 10 or more) on Canada’s roads. While this is a relatively small percentage when compared to the more than 20 million regular passenger vehicles in Canada, commercial vehicles log far more road time than the average vehicle—so much so that there are laws in place to regulate the maximum driving time and minimum off-duty time for drivers. With so much time on the road and with such specialized vehicles, commercial vehicles need special safety laws to prevent motor vehicle collisions. An auto accident injury lawyer will know these regulations and can help to assess commercial vehicle accidents.
Wheel Separation
One danger unique to commercial vehicles is a wheel separating. Since large commercial trucks have several sets of wheels, it is possible for one of a vehicle’s wheels to separate from the axle without significantly impacting the operation of the truck itself (in the short term). Though the truck may not be affected—in fact truck drivers often do not even notice the separation—a disconnected wheel moving along the highway at 100 km/h is extremely dangerous for other drivers. As an auto accident injury lawyer knows, the Ontario government prevents wheel separation by requiring:
- Daily inspections by drivers and operators;
- An absolute liability law for wheel separation;
- Specialized training for technicians involved in wheel installation; and
- $2,000 - $50,000 fines.
Speed Limiters
Like any other vehicle, commercial vehicles are more susceptible to accidents as speed increases. Of course, commercial vehicles are subject to the speed limits on Ontario roads. However, Ontario law also requires commercial vehicles to use electronic speed limiters that cap a truck’s maximum speed at 105 km/h.
Daily Inspections
Commercial vehicle drivers and/or operators must conduct daily “pre-trip” inspections on their vehicles. The daily inspection is a simple but rigorous process.
- The vehicle is inspected before driving;
- The inspection is conducted according to a standardized schedule listing the components and systems that need inspection;
- The report remains valid for 24 hours;
- The driver carries the report and schedule in the vehicle while driving;
- The driver records any defects that are found or occur en route, and he or she reports these to the operator immediately.
These reports represent a large time and money investment for commercial vehicle operators, but it is illegal to neglect them. Inadequate daily reporting can thus be critical for an auto accident injury lawyer.
If you’re a commercial vehicle driver that has been injured in a serious car accident, or if you’ve been injured by a commercial vehicle, contact a Toronto personal injury lawyer. With extensive experience litigating for automobile accident victims, Sokoloff Lawyers are your best bet to secure the compensation that you need. Best of all, a Toronto personal injury lawyer will be happy to meet with you for a free consultation so that you can be confident in your legal representation. Call today to learn more!
Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer
An auto accident lawyer from Sokoloff Lawyers will ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve for your case. Night driving can be extremely dangerous if you are unaware of your surroundings and do not have the experience you need to feel comfortable driving in the darkness. But even with experienced drivers, motor vehicle accidents will happen. This is why it is essential that you find a lawyer that you can trust to advocate for your case. Book a free consultation with a Toronto personal injury lawyer at Sokoloff today and find a lawyer that will fight for your case, while helping you through the process at every step of the way.
Source:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section2.1.9.shtml
http://www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/drivers/better-driving/night/
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/commercial-vehicle-safety-requirements.shtml
https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/tp-1317.htm