Night Driving Is Dangerous Because

By Joshua Glotzer in Car Accident, Motorcycle Accident on October 08, 2025

Driving after sunset presents hazards that many drivers underestimate, and night driving is dangerous because the combination of darkness, glare, and fatigue significantly increases the chance of a crash. Glotzer & Leib have represented many victims injured in collisions that occur after dark, and we know how quickly a standard drive can turn into a devastating event. Night driving is dangerous primarily due to reduced visibility from darkness and glare, which decreases the ability to see pedestrians, animals, and obstacles, while slowing reaction times. Other contributing risks include drowsy drivers and a higher likelihood of impaired motorists, both of which make it harder to avoid accidents safely.

For many drivers, nighttime feels less crowded and calmer, but the hidden dangers make every mile riskier than most realize. The combination of environmental factors and human behavior makes driving at night one of the most underestimated threats on the road.

Common Causes of Nighttime Car Accidents

1. Reduced Visibility Due to Darkness and Poor Vision

Even the most attentive driver struggles with limited vision at night. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision all decline once daylight disappears. This makes it harder to judge distance or notice sudden obstacles like a pedestrian crossing or a stopped vehicle. Streetlights may provide some relief, but there are long stretches of roads, particularly highways, where poor illumination magnifies the risks.

For drivers with existing vision issues, such as nearsightedness or age-related night blindness, these challenges increase significantly. A momentary lapse in attention under these conditions can create lasting consequences. In California, drivers are legally required under California Vehicle Code §24400 to use and maintain working headlamps when operating a vehicle at night, underscoring how essential visibility is for preventing accidents.

2. Increased Fatigue While Driving at Night

Fatigue naturally increases as the day progresses, and late-night drivers often experience slower reaction times. People coming home after long shifts or extended social gatherings are especially vulnerable. The body’s circadian rhythm makes it harder to stay alert late at night and in the early morning, which is when many severe crashes occur. Even minor sleep loss can impair judgment and coordination, raising the risk of accidents.

3. The Risk of Impaired or Distracted Drivers

Alcohol and drug use are more common during nighttime hours, particularly on weekends. Drivers under the influence pose a serious risk to others on the road. Distracted driving, such as texting or scrolling through social media, also peaks during late hours when fewer cars are around, lulling drivers into a false sense of safety. Impaired drivers combined with distracted motorists increase the likelihood of devastating collisions that leave victims facing serious injuries or fatalities.

At Glotzer & Leib, LLP, we believe every injury victim deserves experienced, dedicated representation, without being treated like just another case. With decades of experience and a track record of seven-figure results, we take on powerful insurance companies and fight for those whose lives have been disrupted by serious motor vehicle accident, a workplace injury, or any type of personal injury claim. You’re not just a case to us, you’re our priority.

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4. Higher Traffic During Rush Hour

In cities like Burbank, traffic congestion around evening rush hour creates dangerous conditions as visibility diminishes. Commuters eager to get home often drive aggressively, leading to speeding and rear-end collisions. Nighttime traffic can also remain heavy due to restaurants and events, making conditions unpredictable. A single mistake in these environments can cause multi-car accidents with serious consequences.

5. Glare from Oncoming Headlights

Headlight glare can temporarily blind a driver, creating seconds of impaired vision that are enough to cause a collision. According to the National Safety Council, oncoming headlights make it harder for eyes to adjust quickly between bright and dark settings, reducing reaction times. As the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety outlined, 51 percent of headlight systems on 2025 model year vehicles earned a good rating, while about 16 percent were rated marginal or poor due to inadequate visibility and excessive glare. Even modern cars can create dangerous situations when headlights do not provide enough coverage or produce excessive brightness for approaching drivers.

6. More Active Wildlife on the Roads

Wildlife is more active at night, mainly near parks or open land. Collisions with deer, raccoons, or smaller animals can cause drivers to swerve suddenly, leading to multi-car crashes. Even within urban areas of Los Angeles County, stray animals and unexpected crossings happen, creating hazards when drivers have limited time to respond.

How to Drive Safely at Night

Safe nighttime driving requires more than turning on headlights. Drivers should keep their windshields clean to minimize glare and dim dashboard lights, and avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights. Slowing down is crucial, as stopping distances increase in the dark. Staying rested before a late drive also reduces the risk of fatigue-related accidents.

Planning your route and using navigation systems for unfamiliar areas helps avoid last-minute lane changes, which can be especially risky in the dark. Drivers should also maintain extra following distance, since it takes longer to recognize and respond to hazards when visibility is reduced. Using high beams responsibly in rural areas and staying focused on the road ahead can make all the difference. Taking breaks during long drives and sharing driving responsibilities when possible improve safety.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Nighttime Accident

After a nighttime crash, remain calm and call for emergency assistance immediately. Keep your hazard lights on and stay in a safe location if possible. Document the accident scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses. Seeking prompt medical care is critical, as some injuries are not immediately visible but worsen overnight.

Speaking with an attorney soon after helps protect your rights and ensures evidence is preserved. Because lighting conditions can make accident scenes more difficult to analyze, acting quickly becomes even more critical for gathering crucial details. Evidence such as skid marks, debris, or damaged property may disappear faster when not immediately documented.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers for Nighttime Crash Cases

At Glotzer & Leib, we understand how devastating nighttime accidents can be for victims and their families. Whether your collision was caused by fatigue, impaired driving, or poor visibility, we are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 747-241-8288 or visit us at 1023 N Hollywood Way, Suite 202, Burbank, CA 91505 to discuss your case with a dedicated team focused on protecting your future.