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The National Safety Council (NSC) says driving after dark is risky. It claims, “Traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision can be compromised in the dark. Even with high-beam headlights on, visibility is limited to about 500 feet (250 feet for normal headlights) creating less time to react to something in the road, especially when driving at higher speeds.”

"All motorists are more vulnerable when driving in the dark, but motorcyclists have proven to be the most vulnerable because their bikes have smaller profiles and lack of protection. There is very little standing between a motorcyclist and the road,” says Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.  

Here are 8 driving tips for motorists to avoid vehicle accidents with motorcycles when driving at night:

1. Clean Windshield – Windshields should be kept clean and streak-free both inside and outside so drivers have a clearer view of the road and other vehicles.
2. Check Headlights, Taillights, and Turn Signals – All lights should be in good working order and aimed properly so as not to blind other drivers.
3. Refrain from Looking into Other Vehicle’s Lights – Gazing down and to the right while focusing on the white line will prevent temporary blindness.
4. Reduce Speed and Increase Distance – Gauge the distance by using the 3-second rule; as the vehicle in front of you passes a designated landmark along the road (a tree, a construction barrel, etc.), there should be at least a 3-second gap before you reach the same area.
5. Be Visible – Should you need to pull over, be sure you can be easily seen by other drivers by turning on the hazard lights. The safest place to wait for help is inside the vehicle.
6. Drive Undistracted – Taking your attention off the road is dangerous. Drivers should not text, adjust the radio, or eat in vehicles. Being drowsy while driving reduces a driver’s reaction time.
7. Watch for Motorcyclists and Pedestrians – Motorcycles and pedestrians can be difficult to see after dark. Motorists need to take extra time to watch for them, especially on poorly-lit roadways. Be sure to look both ways at intersections.
8. Don’t Drink and Drive – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) says fatal alcohol-related accidents are four times higher at night than during the day. Do not drive impaired and use defensive driving techniques.

“Should you or a loved one be seriously injured in a motorcycle accident because of another’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for injuries and other losses, such as compensation for past, present, and future medical expenses; past and future lost wages; pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you, and we are available 24/7,” said Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.