Why Do Most Crashes Happen at Night?
Posted On: December 1, 2025This content has been reviewed by Brian P. Hodgkiss
You’re heading down Highway 41 near Appleton on a quiet night. Traffic is light, the road is calm, until blinding headlights appear and a car drifts over the center line. In seconds, everything changes. You’re injured, shaken, and unsure what comes next.
Crashes like this are far more common than many people realize. Even though there are fewer cars on the road at night, the risks go up as visibility drops, fatigue sets in, and the chances of encountering a drunk or impaired driver increase.
Knowing why nighttime driving is more dangerous and how to protect yourself can help you avoid a crash. In this guide, our Appleton car accident lawyers break down when nighttime crashes happen most often, why the risks increase after dark, and what steps you can take to stay safe.
The Deadly Statistics of Nighttime Driving
In 2024, the late afternoon and early evening hours were the most dangerous times to be on Wisconsin roads. Between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., nearly 10,000 crashes occurred each hour across the state as people headed home from work. This risk increases in winter when daylight saving time ends, and early darkness sets in around 4:30 p.m.
From 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., there were 38,134 crashes across the state, including 198 fatal and 6,469 injury collisions. The numbers show clear danger points at around 9 p.m. and again near 2 a.m., when fatigue and alcohol use are common.
Darkness, fatigue, and winter conditions make nighttime one of the riskiest times to drive.
Why Night Driving Is So Dangerous
When the sun goes down, everything about driving changes: how well you see, how fast you react, and how you judge distance. Here’s why the road becomes more dangerous once the sun goes down:
| Risk Factor | What It Is | How It Increases Crash Risk |
| Reduced Visibility | Darkness limits the distance and clarity of what drivers can see, even with headlights. | Drivers have less time to detect and avoid pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and road debris. |
| Impaired Depth Perception | Low-light conditions make it difficult for the eyes to gauge the distance of an object or its speed. | Following too closely or misreading the distance between vehicles often causes side-impact and rear-end accidents. |
| Driver Fatigue | Mental and physical exhaustion can slow reaction time and impair awareness. | Drowsy drivers are more likely to drift, miss warning signs, or fall asleep behind the wheel. |
| Impaired Driving | Alcohol or drug use affects judgment, coordination, and focus. | Impairment slows reaction time, increases swerving, and reduces a driver’s ability to recover when something goes wrong. |
| Wildlife Activity | Deer and other wildlife are most active around dawn and dusk. | Sudden crossings cause drivers to brake or swerve, often leading to loss of control or secondary crashes. |
Driving at night is already more hazardous, and in Wisconsin, black ice and drifting snow increase the likelihood of a crash occurring. Also, with one of the largest deer populations in the Midwest, Wisconsin saw more than 17,400 deer-related crashes in 2024. These common causes of winter collisions can also complicate the determination of who is at fault.
How Night Driving Impacts Fault and Liability in Wisconsin
Night driving isn’t just more dangerous; it can make proving fault harder. Limited visibility, black ice, and unexpected wildlife don’t excuse careless driving under Wisconsin law. Drivers still have a duty to operate at a speed that’s reasonable for conditions under Wisconsin Statute §346.57.
When someone fails to take those precautions and causes a crash, they can be held legally responsible for the injuries and damage they cause. If you were hurt in a nighttime accident, an experienced Appleton car accident lawyer can investigate what happened, collect evidence, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
How to Stay Safe on Wisconsin Roads at Night
You can’t control every danger that comes with driving after dark, but you can reduce your risk by taking a few precautions.
Safer night driving starts with simple habits like:
- Turning on your headlights at least 30 minutes before sunset and keeping them clean for clear visibility.
- Slowing down to give yourself more time to react to sudden hazards.
- Scanning both sides of the road for deer and braking firmly, without swerving, if one appears.
- Pulling over to a safe spot if you feel drowsy, even for a quick rest.
- Staying sober and avoiding medications that impair alertness or reaction time.
- Keeping your windshield and mirrors clean to reduce glare and improve visibility.
Small steps like these can help prevent a crash and show that you were driving responsibly if another driver causes one.
Injured in a Nighttime Crash? Get a Free Case Review Today
Nighttime collisions can be complicated; limited visibility, icy roads, and driver mistakes often make it difficult to determine exactly what happened and who’s at fault. If you have been injured, understanding your rights and options is the first step toward achieving a successful recovery.
Our Appleton car accident attorneys understand the unique challenges of nighttime crashes. We’ve won million-dollar settlements for injured clients and know how to build strong, fact-based claims to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a complimentary case review, and let our team advocate for the support and financial recovery you deserve.
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