Many drivers feel comfortable on the road during the “normal” commuting hours to get to their 9-5 jobs or to school. Driving outside these hours, such as late at night or earlier in the morning, can pose unexpected risks.
Some drivers assume that less traffic makes these times safer, but several factors can increase the danger of being on the road during unusual hours. From reduced visibility to driver fatigue, the conditions at night or during the early morning can lead to more accidents.
Low visibility
One of the biggest concerns is the lack of light. At night, the reduced visibility makes it significantly harder for drivers to see obstacles, road signs and pedestrians. Headlights certainly provide some illumination, but they cannot fully replicate natural daylight. This reduced visibility leads to unexpectedly slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Driver fatigue
Many accidents during late hours occur because of exhaustion. Fatigue affects a person’s ability to concentrate, react and stay alert. In the early morning, naturally produced melatonin can leave a person still feeling drowsy, even if they have had enough sleep.
Impaired drivers
Another issue is the increased presence of impaired drivers. Individuals impaired by alcohol or drugs are more likely to be on the road during late-night hours, especially on weekends. This risk can make driving during these times more dangerous than in the middle of the day.
Data from the National Safety Council shows that most crashes occur between 4 pm and midnight, with many still occurring from midnight to 4 am as well. This suggests that the safest times to drive for the mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours. Understanding the dangers that are present during relatively unsafe hours can help drivers make better decisions about when and how to travel.