There are many risks associated with driving. This is true during the day and at night, but drivers have additional laws and dangers to be aware of. If you’ve been injured in a nighttime accident, understanding New York’s traffic laws is essential for your accident claim.

Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices have helped thousands of injured clients in New York City navigate their car accident claims. As a pillar of NYC for over 30 years, we are dedicated to helping members of our community recover after devastating injuries.

Risks Associated with Driving at Night

Around one-fourth of driving happens at night, but half of fatal traffic accidents occur at night. This disproportionate representation hints at the dangers of nighttime driving, but what are the causes of the increased risks?

Driving Under the Influence

Impaired drivers are more likely to be on the roads at night, leading to an increased chance of collisions. Specifically, weekend hours between midnight and 3:00 am present the highest chance of encountering a driver who is under the influence. A little over 30% of fatal car accidents in New York involve a drunk driver, and someone is injured in a DUI accident every two minutes.

Poor Night Vision

Many people over 50 require more light to see clearly at night, and poor night vision is a condition many people suffer from. Cataracts, astigmatism, and various other eye diseases can compromise night vision for New York drivers.

Drowsy Driving

One-third of the population is sleep-deprived. Couple that with driving during the hours when most people are typically asleep, and dangerous conditions can lead to increased nighttime accidents. Whether from a lack of regular sleep, shift work, or sleep disorders, drowsy driving has been shown to be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Drivers tend to be the drowsiest from midnight to 2:00 am and 4:00 am to 6:00 am.

Rush Hour

During the late fall and winter months in New York, the sun has already set during rush hour traffic. Drivers are often in a rush to get home and frazzled or frustrated from a long day at work. Additionally, the increased traffic during this time creates an added risk of collision.

How Low Visibility Contributes to Accidents

Visibility is naturally limited during the night, and there are many factors that can worsen a driver’s ability to see vehicles, pedestrians, and other hazards on the road. Low visibility conditions include heavy rain, blizzards, and fog, which can make driving at night incredibly difficult. Low visibility can lead to numerous types of nighttime accidents, including:

  • Rollover accidents
  • Head-on collisions
  • T-bone or side impact accidents
  • Rear-end collisions

Nighttime Traffic Laws in NYC

According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, around 90% of the decisions drivers make are based on what they see. Because visibility is limited at night, extra caution should be taken to ensure drivers continue to operate their vehicles safely. Most headlights illuminate around 350 feet in front of the vehicle, and drivers should maintain a speed that allows them to stop safely within that range.

New York has various headlight laws and guidance to promote nighttime driving safety, including the following:

  • Headlights must be turned on 30 minutes after the sun sets to 30 minutes before the sun rises.
  • Headlights must be turned on when visibility is less than 1,000 feet.
  • If using windshield wipers for visibility in the rain, snow, or sleet, headlights must also be used.
  • Headlights should be used during dawn, dusk, and when fog is present.
  • Headlights should be turned to low beams when within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and 200 feet of a vehicle in front.

Following these guidelines and laws can help prevent accidents during the night, but not all collisions can be prevented.

Experienced Guidance After a NYC Nighttime Collision

If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligent use of their headlights at night, contact Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices. We have been representing injured NYC motorists for over three decades. We are familiar with state laws and city ordinances that could impact your claim, and we work tirelessly to help you recover fair compensation for your damages. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.