We have reached that time of year when Texas drivers often spend more time in the dark. During these winter months, headlight condition is crucial to prevent a crash from occurring.
Nighttime driving is especially dangerous because of limited visibility. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), drivers only see up to an average of 250 feet when using regular headlights. With high-beams, drivers can usually see around 500 feet ahead of them. Additionally, drivers over the age of 60 may experience difficulty with visibility, judging distances, and seeing objects from a short distance.
Some roads in the Houston, Galveston, and Alvin areas aren’t well-lit. Without adequate lighting, drivers have less time to respond to a potential accident. Pedestrians and bicyclists are especially at a high risk of being struck.
Poor headlights a contributing factor
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the quality of drivers’ headlights may be a factor. Over time, headlights diminish in quality from prolonged exposure to sunlight, causing the protective plastic layer to break down. This can take as little as three to five years to happen. Poor quality headlights may only give off about 20 percent of light emitted by new headlights.
Diminished headlights are a factor in roughly 50 percent of all nighttime auto accidents.
Headlights are often overlooked when it comes to vehicle maintenance. However, AAA suggests that drivers replace headlights with original manufacturer parts to restore headlight capacity to 100 percent.
Injured in a crash? Don’t hesitate to contact us
Auto accidents at night can happen unexpectedly. In many cases, crash victims have little time to take evasive measures. But when a crash occurs, it’s important that your rights are upheld. Proving that another driver was at fault may be a complex and frustrating ordeal. That’s why you need an experienced auto accident attorney on your side who can investigate the cause of your crash and find out where negligence occurred.
If the at-fault motorist was driving with poor-quality headlights at the time of the crash, your attorney can use this evidence to help you build a strong claim. Don’t worry about dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. The experienced legal team at the Law Offices of Gene S. Hagood can handle that for you. For more than 15 years, we have helped injured motorists like you seek justice. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.