PennDOT Reminds Motorists to Drive Safely

Pittsburgh, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds motorists to drive safely during their nighttime commute.

While nighttime motorists may face the same challenges as daytime drivers, driving at night can present additional obstacles, such as a lack of visibility. Drowsy driving, distracted driving, and speeding are behaviors seen especially at night. Each can create an unsafe situation for the driver, their passengers, and everyone else on the road around them.

Drowsy driving can occur at any time of day, but most often occurs at night. Motorists feeling tired behind the wheel are encouraged to pull over to take a break, roll down the windows, drink a caffeinated drink or eat a snack. Drivers are also urged to be aware of any reactions from both over- and behind-the-counter medication they use, as some can cause fatigue or blurred vision. Sleep aid medications can have lasting effects for hours and even overnight.

Driving distracted in the dark comes with added risks. Low visibility from driving at night, paired with taking your focus off the road can lead to a crash. Distracted driving can include behaviors such as texting or talking on the phone, personal grooming, such as doing your hair or makeup, using the center console screen, reaching for a dropped item, or even talking with other passengers.

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 3,308 people were killed in distracted driver crashes.

Speeding is another contributing factor to nighttime crashes. Although there may be less traffic on the road at night, speeding with low visibility makes it difficult to see ahead and react to things going on around you.

While NHTSA reported the number of speeding-related crashes fell in 2022 it was still a major factor in 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. Additionally, PennDOT reported last year in Pennsylvania, there were 3,676 crashes involving speeding, resulting in 193 fatalities.

Those looking to travel during the overnight hours are urged to think ahead and practice safe behaviors.

For more information, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

PennDOT's media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as seat belts, impaired driving, and distracted driving for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

For regional updates, follow PennDOT on X and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.

Media Contact: Yasmeen Manyisha, [email protected]​

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