CDS Law - Law Office of Colonna, Doyle & Simeola

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Convenient Wakefield / Lynnfield Office Location

26 Main Street | 3rd Floor | Lynnfield, MA 01940

Law Office of Colonna & Doyle and Simeola & Simeola PC are pleased to announce a merger of the two law practices which will continue the general practice of law under the firm name of Law Office of Colonna, Doyle & Simeola.

Law Office of Colonna & Doyle and Simeola & Simeola PC are pleased to announce a merger of the two law practices which will continue the general practice of law under the firm name of Law Office of Colonna, Doyle & Simeola.

Photo of attorneys Timothy J. Doyle, Thomas F. Colonna and William P. Doyle, III

When the nights are darker, what road precautions are necessary?

As winter lingers on in Massachusetts, the nights remain long, and daylight hours are short. Reduced visibility increases the risk of car accidents, making it particularly important for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to take extra precautions when traveling at night. 

Whether you’re commuting home from work, running errands or heading out for the evening, following these safety measures when engaging in nighttime road travel can help you to prevent accidents and injuries.

Lighting, speed and alertness-related concerns

One of the most important precautions for night driving involves ensuring that your vehicle’s lighting is in optimal condition. Before hitting the road:

  • Check Your Headlights: Make sure both headlights are working and aimed correctly to provide maximum visibility without blinding other drivers.
  • Use Low and High Beams Wisely: High beams can improve visibility on dark roads but should only be used when no oncoming traffic is present; switch back to low beams when other vehicles approach.
  • Clean Your Lights: Dirt and grime on headlights and taillights can reduce their effectiveness, making it harder for you to see and for others to see you.

Yet, despite these efforts that you’ll make to keep your vehicle as visible as possible, driving at night inevitably means reduced reaction time due to lower visibility. To stay safer:

  • Slow Down: Speed limits are designed for ideal conditions, but at night, adjusting your speed to account for limited visibility is particularly wise.
  • Keep a Safe Distance: Increase your following distance to allow extra time to react if another vehicle suddenly stops or swerves.

Finally, you’ll want to keep in mind that drowsy driving is a serious risk, especially during the winter when darkness falls early. To more effectively avoid fatigue-related accidents:

  • Take Breaks: If you’re on a long drive, pull over for rest stops when needed.
  • Recognize Signs of Drowsiness: Frequent yawning, drifting between lanes and difficulty keeping your eyes open are clear warning signs to stop and rest.
  • Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and certain medications can impair reaction time and judgment, making nighttime driving even more dangerous if your system has been compromised, so don’t drive when compromised at all.

While none of these or any other safety tips will guarantee your safety when you’re traveling at night, they can help. And making these efforts just might make all the difference to your safety in the end.