Driving Dangers Increase as the North Carolina Days Get Shorter

Our Charlotte personal injury attorneys at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A. know that summer cannot last forever. That becomes increasingly evident as the days grow shorter, before winter finally settles over North Carolina.

In Charlotte, according to timeanddate.com, on August 1, 2022, the sun came up at 6:32 am and went down at 8:26 pm. Each month going forward, our city loses an hour of daylight. By December 1, 2022, the sun will rise at 7:13 am and set at 5:11 pm.

While this is never a surprise, it is important to understand how less daylight impacts pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists throughout the state.

Here is what our residents need to know:

Early Morning & Evening Hours Present Significant Travel Dangers

When daylight hours are shorter, early mornings and evenings present additional risks that can quickly result in an accident.

This can impact everyone who is out on our sidewalks, trails, bike paths, and roadways, including pedestrians who are walking and jogging, bicyclists who are riding for exercise or on their commutes, and motorists who are dropping off kids at school or heading to work.

Common reasons more accidents happen during the winter months may include, but are not limited to:

• Commuters are rushing to do more in less time
• Depth perception issues
• Drowsy or fatigued driving that results in delayed reflexes or poor judgment
• Early morning and late day sun is blinding and can lead to momentary blindness
• Reduced visibility that reduces stopping time
• School zone and crossing hazards

When the days are shorter, it is difficult to see small children, joggers, and bicyclists when the sun is directly on the horizon. All motorists should slow down, remain focused, and never allow themselves to be distracted by their cellphones or other electronics while operating their vehicles.

Nighttime Driving Dangers Can Increase North Carolina Traffic Crashes

Driving at night is inherently dangerous because it is simply harder to see. Unfortunately, most North Carolina commuters are not leaving work until after dark in the winter months, which can place them in danger.

While North Carolina sees very little snow or ice during the winter months, compared to other northern states, it is important for all drivers to maintain their vehicles year-round.

That includes replacing burned-out headlights, taillights, or brake lights, and ensuring tires and brakes are maintained or replaced. Failing to safely maintain your vehicle can compound the hazards associated with driving in the dark.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced car accident attorneys in Charlotte know that even if you do all the right things to avoid an accident in North Carolina, you can never prepare for the negligent driver who is traveling alongside you.

If you have been hurt in a collision caused by another driver’s negligence, we can help.

Contact Our Skilled Car Accident Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our leading car accident lawyers in Charlotte provide free consultations by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to fit each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do. Because every case is different, the description of awards and cases previously handled by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.