A desert’s striking landscape captivates any adventurer. From a plethora of flora and fauna to vast expanses of sand and rock formations, even drivers prefer a scenic road trip every chance possible.
But driving through the desert at night presents particular dangers, which may lead victims to tragic injuries and, in the worst cases, death.
Desert dangers at night
Per California’s Office of Traffic Safety, traffic deaths increased by about 7.6% from 2020 to 2021. If you decide to have a nighttime cruise in the desert, the following are hazards that may increase your chances of figuring into a fatal vehicular accident:
- Reduced or lack of visibility: Limited visibility, on top of only a few landmarks, makes it difficult to navigate through a desert. Aside from the darkness of the night, drivers may also encounter dust storms consisting of high winds that can lead to zero visibility.
- Extreme temperatures: From scorching heights to dramatic drops at night, these drastic changes can affect a driver’s physical and mental wellness necessary to focus on the road.
- Deadly wildlife: Some species are more active at night. With predatory instincts and unpredictable behavior, they may wander off and cause collisions.
Under the state’s vehicular accident laws, every driver must have insurance coverage amounting to $15,000 for injury or death to another individual and $30,000 for multiple parties, and $5,000 for property damage.
If you sustained injuries, you only have two years to file a claim. But you must know that the state follows a pure comparative negligence model. This system reduces the damages you can receive depending on your percentage of fault. If you are 10% partially responsible, you can only recover 90% of the damages.
Stay vigilant to stay alive
Driving through terrain with innumerable erratic elements makes you vulnerable to hazards. So, being alert and prepared can be your lifeline to safety. But even with your best efforts, you may still be in a car crash. When this happens, seeking medical attention and reporting it to the authorities must be your immediate action. A legal team can work with you to pursue damages against all responsible parties.