Fall Motorcycle Accidents: How Reduced Daylight Increases Crash Risks

The first day of fall in Albany means shorter days and reduced visibility. This change increases motor vehicle crashes — especially involving motorcycles.

Key Risks:

• Reduced Visibility: Drivers commute in dusk or darkness, making motorcycles harder to see.
• Sun Glare: Lower sun angles cause glare at peak travel times.
• Driver Fatigue: Shorter daylight disrupts sleep patterns and slows reaction time.
• Wildlife: More animal activity at dawn and dusk increases collision risks.

Why Motorcyclists Are Vulnerable:

• Small profile makes them harder to spot.
• Wet leaves, frost, and debris destabilize bikes.
• Little protection means higher injury severity.

Safety Tips for Drivers:

• Use headlights at twilight.
• Check mirrors and blind spots carefully.
• Increase the following distance and reduce speed.

Safety Tips for Riders:

• Wear reflective gear and use bright lights.
• Ride defensively and expect reduced visibility.
• Slow down on wet or leaf-covered roads.

Drivers must adjust for conditions. If you’re injured because someone failed to drive safely in low light, you may have a claim for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.