Many young drivers instinctively feel like driving at night is more dangerous. This can persist into adulthood, as well. The reduction in visibility at night makes it harder to feel like you are fully in control of the car. But is this just your mind’s natural reaction, or is it really more dangerous?

Statistics do show that night driving is more dangerous. There’s far less driving going on overall, with far fewer miles being covered, since most people are at home or asleep. But roughly half of all fatal accidents still happen at night, so the rate is three times higher than the rate of fatal accidents during the day.

Why does this happen?

It’s one thing to know that night driving is more dangerous, but you also want to know what you should do about it. How do these accidents happen and is there anything that you can do to avoid them?

You can avoid risky behaviors yourself. For instance, drunk driving rates are higher at night, so staying sober can lower your odds of being involved in an accident. Slowing down and driving carefully can give you more reaction time, even though visibility is low.

But a lot of the risk is just something that you have to face when you drive during these hours. Even if you’re sober, there are likely a greater number of other impaired drivers on the road late at night. Even if you drive slowly and carefully, you could be tailgated by a dangerous driver who doesn’t take these same steps.

If another driver does make a mistake and seriously injures you in a car accident, then you need to take the time to look into your rights to seek financial compensation.