Photo of Bryan R. Gavin and Salvatore Imbornone Jr.

New Jersey

Personal Injury Attorneys

The dangers of driving at dusk: 2 top concerns

On Behalf of | Sep 15, 2024 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Summer is coming to an end and the nights are closing in. That means more drivers will soon be on the road at dusk

Here are a few issues to watch out for at this time of day.

The setting sun

If you are driving into a setting sun, you may struggle to see the road ahead. If you are traveling with the sun behind you, it may cause glare in your rearview mirror that prevents you from seeing what is behind you. Other drivers may also struggle to see you. For instance, if you have the sun behind you and need to turn left you should understand the drivers whose path you must cross will be looking directly into the sun so they might not notice you.

Deer collisions

One particular danger New Jersey drivers need to watch out for at dusk is deer collisions. While the most dangerous time of year for this is the mating season which runs from late October to mid-December, deer collisions are already becoming more likely because as the days draw in, you are more likely to be on the road at dusk.

Keeping a safe distance from the driver in front is crucial in case they suddenly need to brake because of a deer on the road. Using your lights in areas where deer are expected can also help, as the beams can light up their eyes, giving you and the deer early warning. Slowing down in areas where there are deer is also wise.

If another driver injures you in a collision where the sun or deer played a role it is important to remember that both those things are known dangers and drivers have a responsibility to take them into account. If they don’t and they injure you as a result, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses.