Late night or very early morning driving can be dangerous for many reasons, particularly on a highway. As any motor vehicle accident attorney in New York knows, the increased speed limit on the highway, coupled with poor visibility and potential driver fatigue can make a deadly combination.
Recently, an off-duty NYPD officer from North Babylon was killed when his pick-up truck was struck by a box truck on the Long Island Expressway. The accident occurred at 2:23 a.m. Both the pick-up truck and the box truck burst into flames after the crash. The driver of the box truck was hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries. At the time of the accident, the officer’s pick-up truck was stopped in the right lane of the highway, though it is unclear why. Authorities are still investigating the crash.
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Highway accidents involving trucks are not uncommon and they can be particularly dangerous. Because trucks, especially commercial trucks, can weigh several times more than a passenger vehicle, the damage caused by a truck-car accident can be much greater than in an accident involving two passenger cars.
Additionally, nighttime and early morning driving can pose its own risks, as drivers may be susceptible to tiredness. Driving while tired can decrease reaction time and the alertness needed to drive safely. Drinking caffeinated beverages or listening to music may help tired drivers stay alert. Alternatively, drivers can pull off the road onto the shoulder to rest. Drivers who choose this option should take care to make sure they are as far off the road as possible, to avoid potential accidents with other vehicles who may not see the parked car.
Source: NBCNewYork.com, “Off-Duty NYPD Officer Killed in LIE Crash,” Ida Siegal, March 26, 2013