Lack of natural light can affect driving

Whether traveling home from work or rushing to a dinner party, Texas motorists fill the roadways even after the sun goes down. Although the roads are lit with streetlights and the glow from headlights, the lack of natural sunlight poses a threat all its own.

Not only is it harder for people to see at night, but bright lights can also make it more difficult for drivers to see. These visual issues can cause serious car accidents, injuries and even death.

What is the problem?

Human eyes often have trouble determining the distance and speed of oncoming traffic. Darkness can compromise one’s peripheral vision, depth perception, central vision and color contrast. This is especially true for those suffering from visual disorders, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts. Furthermore, drivers over the age of 50 require twice as much light to see as well as a younger motorist.

Bright headlights can cause temporary blindness for motorists who look directly into oncoming traffic. According to ABC Action News, many vehicles have more intense LED lights, which can result in temporary blindness. This can cause delayed responses to objects, animals or people on the road.

What can drivers do?

There are steps drivers can take to minimize their risk of getting into a late-night accident, according to the National Safety Council. These include the following:

• Avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights
• Make sure your lights are working properly
• Have regular eye exams
• Reduce speed
• Avoid distractions
• Drive defensively

It is also important to get plenty of sleep, as driving at night can increase drowsiness for those who are sleep deprived.

Drivers who are victims of a nighttime accident may receive compensation for any injuries they have received at the negligence of another motorist.