On the night of Monday September 23, 2013, a North Texas man was killed in a car accident.  The driver, identified as Richard Ireland from Azle, Texas, was driving a Mustang when he turned from Highway 114 to Interstate 35W, colliding with a Buick Sports Utility Vehicle.  Ireland was killed immediately.

The cause of the accident is unknown.  There is construction underway on the other side of the highway, but that was not thought to contribute to this accident.

Though authorities are not sure what caused this crash to begin with, it is a well-known fact that nighttime driving is more dangerous than driving during the daytime.  Why?  We rely on our vision to drive safely, and at night, our vision is compromised.  Here’s just how dangerous driving at night is: 49% of fatal car accidents occur at night despite the fact that there are far fewer drivers on the road at night.

What are some precautions that you can use to keep yourself and others on the road safe?

• Use all the light you have available to you to make up for poor visibility.  This means making sure your headlights are working properly, and making sure you keep your brake lights and fog lights working as well.  Use your high beams when necessary.

• Take into account that others drive poorly at night.  77% of all alcohol-related fatalities occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.  Night-drivers are also usually more sleep-deprived as well.

• Stay off your phone.  You’ve heard it a hundred times, but it is one of the easiest ways to make sure you stay safe behind the wheel.  Phones provide infinite distractions, from phone calls to text messages to music.  Make the conscious decision to disengage from your phone while you are operating your vehicle.  While you may think your eyes are off the road for only a moment, it is almost always much longer than that.  The distance your car can travel at high speeds in 4 or 5 seconds is remarkable.  Make the safe choice and keep your eyes on the road.

Have you been injured in a motor vehicle accident?  A Dallas car accident attorney from Kirkendall Dwyer LLP can help.  Car accidents can happen in a flash and can change your life forever.  If you have been injured in a car accident, or have lost a loved one in a car accident, our car accident attorneys can provide the compassionate and experienced legal attention that you need.  When you contact our offices, you will speak directly to an attorney.  Contact us today to discuss your case.