More danger after dark

Night drivers beware – most fatal accidents are occurring after dark. And, Acting Assistant Superintendent Leon Blades of the Traffic Division is pleading with drivers to slow down, rest before setting out and ease up on the alcohol – particularly as the Crop-Over Festival heats up and revellers rush nightly to take in multiple events.“Drivers are putting themselves at risk and are not thinking of their passengers or the families who would be affected. “During the night there are fewer vehicles but more fatal accidents because drivers are travelling faster believing the roads are clear of any traffic,” Blades said. The senior officer in traffic administration explained that drivers took more chances at night because of the deceptive decrease in vehicles on the road. That situation, Blades added, was giving road users a false sense of security to undertake dangerous manoeuvres.“Some people are speeding or falling asleep at the wheel and that could be for any reason from being tired after working a double shift or leaving work and going to two or three fetes. Look for a designated driver, just as you would for drinking, find someone who is rested or get some rest between events,” Blades advised.So far this year there have been nine fatal accidents resulting in nine deaths. Five took place during the night.  In 2007 there were 28 fatal accidents in which 38 people died  and 75 per cent of these occurred at night. In 2008, 72 per cent of the 17 fatal accidents in which 17 people died occurred at night. Of last year’s 25 fatal accidents resulting in 26 deaths, 79 per cent occurred after sunset.Blades said faulty vision was another night-time challenge. Some drivers, even though they are affected by night blindness, still get behind the wheel.“If you have any liking for your family or friend or even your own life, you would check your eyes before driving,” Blades said in an earnest request to motorists.Information compiled over the last few years also showed, according to Blades, that losing control of the vehicle was a factor in many of the fatalities. He said that a lot of the drivers were speeding, asleep at the wheel or overtaking recklessly when accidents occurred.Blades also told the WEEKEND NATION that in many of the cases drivers turned right without due care and attention on highways and cut across the path of approaching vehicles with fatal consequences.“Slow down when you are coming to an intersection and you should only overtake when you can do so and return to your side safely,” Blades said, adding that at night it was harder to gauge the speed of approaching vehicles.