Cathey & Strain
Skip to content

4 common causes of car accidents at night

Cathey & Strain
  • About
    • History
    • Attorneys
    • Staff
  • Attorneys
    • Dennis T. Cathey
    • David A. Sleppy
    • Matthew A. Cathey
    • David H. Dickerson
    • Emma “Maggie” Hastings
  • Areas of Practice
    • Personal Injury
      • Auto Accidents
      • Medical Malpractice
      • Premises Liability
    • Wrongful Death
    • Product Liability
      • Automotive Defects
  • Case Results
Contact Toggle Mobile Menu

4 common causes of car accidents at night

When you’re driving at night, it may be important to realize that there’s an increased chance of suffering injuries from a car accident. 

There are a few common causes of nighttime car accidents. Here’s what you should know:

1. Low visibility

Simply put, possibly the most common cause of nighttime car crashes is low visibility. A crash could, for example, be caused because a driver couldn’t see the road ahead because of a lack of light. Another cause may occur when there’s heavy rain that obscures a driver’s vision. In some cases, a driver may even be blinded by a driver who’s using their brights.

2. Drunk driving 

Many people enjoy drinking later in the day and at night. However, one problem that occurs from drinking at night is that people often believe they’re sober enough to drive home. Drunk divers have been known to cause many accidents.

3. Driver fatigue 

In many ways, driving while drowsy is just as bad as drunk driving. Tiredness can cause people to function poorly. This may lower their alertness, awareness of their surroundings and their decision-making skills. In some cases, drowsy drivers have been known to doze off behind the wheel, which can cause them to lose control of the car.

4. Speeding 

More people speed on the highway at night because there’s less traffic, which gives them room to swerve around lanes. However, speeding also lowers a driver’s control over their vehicle. If they need to suddenly stop, the driver may not process this until it’s too late. Likewise, if their vehicle clips another car, then they could lose full control of the vehicle. 

If you’re suffering injuries after a car accident, then you may need to know your legal options when seeking compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Cathey & Strain
  • About
  • Attorneys
  • Practice Areas
  • Case Results
Cornelia Office
649 Irvin Street Cornelia, GA 30531
Decatur Office
150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur, GA 30030
Gainesville Office
403 Green Street, Gainesvile, GA 30501
Phone
706-903-5215
Social
Follow us on Facebook - Link opens in a new window Follow us on LinkedIn - Link opens in a new window
  • © 2026 Cathey & Strain. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Accessibility Statement