Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
On the 4th of November, residents throughout the U. . will be able to enjoy an extra hour of sleep. It’s all a part of Daylight Savings Time. When it ends, we turn our clocks from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and claim that extra sleep time.
But early dark also increases risks for car accidents. Every state, including Maine, participated in Daylight Savings time except for Arizona and Hawaii.Our Portland car accident lawyers are asking drivers to be especially careful during this time change. Since it’ll more likely be darker during our commutes, drivers are asked to be on their best behavior behind the wheel. In addition to the change in time, we’re also expected to see some change in weather. Leaves on the roadways, dry or wet, can make it difficult for drivers to stop. This is especially true when it’s nighttime and in the early morning hours when the leaves are harder to see.
You’re also urged to share the road safely with pedestrians. With it being darker out, pedestrians and bicyclists will be tougher to see. Pedestrians are asked to be cautious near roadways, to wear bright colors so that you’re easily seen by motorists and to travel as predictably as possible.
Use your headlights as soon as it starts to get dark. Not only does this help you to see your surroundings, but it helps other drivers to see you.
During this transition, you also want to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep. Drowsy driving car accidents are much more likely during this time of the year. It’s important that we avoid driving during the times that our body is accustomed to sleeping. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep. And make sure that if you start to feel sleepy behind the wheel you pull over, stop the car and recuperate. Each year, there are roughly 1,500 people who are killed and another 71,000 who are injured in drowsy driving auto accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Lastly, you want to be on the lookout for deer!sThe most dangerous month out of the entire year for these kinds of accidents is the month of November. This dangerous season typically lasts from late October through December.
The NHTSA estimates that there are about 200 people killed and another 10,000 injured in deer-car accidents each year. These accidents are most likely to happen during dawn and dusk, so keep your eyes on the road and travel cautiously during this time. Remember that if you see one deer, there are probably more around. Deer rarely travel alone. When you see those “Deer Crossing” signs be sure that you take them seriously!sThese are marked in areas where the deer population is significant and accidents have occurred in the past.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a car accident, contact us at 1-800-804-2004 for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Submersion Accident in Maine Highlights Injury Risks, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, October 10, 2012
Leaf Peepers & Advice After a Portland Car Accident, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, September 30, 2012