I am beyond happy with my experience working with Rutter Mills. Rutter Mills was responsive throughout the entire journey and worked diligently on my behalf, making the process worry and stress free. I cannot recommend this company enough.
As autumn days grow shorter in Hampton Roads and evening commutes unfold under fading light, the risk of serious roadway mistakes quietly rises. With the change, driving conditions can quickly turn dangerous, especially when visibility changes.
Among the most devastating of these incidents are wrong-way car accidents. Each year, drivers across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the surrounding cities experience more than 24,000 traffic crashes, While detailed local statistics for wrong-way crashes in the fall months are limited, anecdotally, wrong-way driving accident lawyers see an uptick of cases in the fall and winter.
Statewide studies from the Virginia Transportation Research Council show that while these collisions make up just 0.1 percent of all crashes in Virginia, the fatality rate is 30 times greater, emphasizing the considerable dangers these types of accidents pose.
As daylight hours shrink and sunset aligns with rush hour, even familiar roads can become disorienting. Getting a better understanding of why wrong-way driving situations spike in low-light conditions and how to avoid them can help protect you and every other driver on Virginia’s roads this season.
Why Wrong Way Accidents Increase When the Sun Sets Earlier
Wrong-way crashes during early sunsets often involve multiple compounding factors, including limited visibility, roadway design challenges, and human fatigue.
1. Diminished Visibility and Glare
At twilight, our eyes experience a rapid adaptation from bright daylight to dim light, a process known as the photopic to mesopic transition. This temporary reduction in visual acuity can make it harder to detect lane markings, signage, or other vehicles. To top it off, sun glare during late-afternoon commutes can make it even harder to see the road, increasing the likelihood of misjudging distances or failing to recognize “Do Not Enter” or “Wrong Way” signs.
2. Complex Road Layouts
Modern traffic patterns and ongoing construction projects throughout Hampton Roads have created an intricate network of interchanges that can challenge even experienced drivers. In high-traffic areas, particularly along I-64, I-264, and I-464, drivers often face a quick succession of exits, merges, and lane shifts. When visibility is limited by dusk or darkness, it becomes easier to misread signage or accidentally enter the wrong ramp.
Virginia’s older interchanges, particularly in Norfolk and Chesapeake, often feature closely spaced entrance and exit ramps, which can contribute to driver confusion and error, especially after dark when visual cues are reduced. Limited signage, complex ramp geometry, and the need for rapid lane changes further increase the risk of accidents in these areas.
3. Fatigue and Circadian Influence
Early sunsets coincide with the body’s natural circadian dip in alertness, typically occurring between 2:00–4:00 PM and 2:00–4:00 AM. This physiological low can impair reaction time, decision-making, and situational awareness, making evening commutes particularly hazardous.
Additionally, drivers may experience cumulative fatigue from the workday or engage in social activities involving alcohol, both of which further increase the risk of disorientation and wrong-way driving.
5 Quick Tips to Stay Safe Driving During Sunset
Even experienced drivers can make errors when visibility drops. These strategies can help reduce the risk of wrong-way collisions as daylight hours shrink:
1. Slow Down and Stay Centered
At night, reduced depth perception makes it harder to judge curves and oncoming traffic. Maintain moderate speed and stay slightly right of center within your lane to give more room if another driver drifts over the line.
2. Watch for “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” Signs
Reflective red signage is designed to catch headlights at night, but fatigue or glare can dull awareness. Make a habit of scanning intersections and ramp entrances deliberately before merging onto highways.
3. Reduce Glare Inside the Car
Keep your windshield clean, lower your sun visor during sunset, and dim dashboard lights to avoid eye strain. Properly aligned headlights also make a major difference in visibility.
4. Wear Specially Designed Sunglasses
For safer driving during sunset, wear sunglasses with polarized lenses and an amber or yellow tint to reduce glare and enhance contrast. A wraparound design and anti-reflective coating can further improve visibility and protect your eyes from low-angle sunlight.
5. Call 911 If You Spot a Wrong-Way Driver
Never try to warn or follow a wrong-way driver. Safely pull over, provide the location and direction, and let dispatchers handle the alert. Quick reporting can prevent chain-reaction crashes.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Wrong-Way Collision
Wrong-way car accidents often happen with little warning and devastating force. Victims may face severe injuries, long recoveries, and overwhelming medical bills. In these moments, having an experienced advocate can make all the difference.
The wrong-way driving accident lawyers at Rutter Mills work with accident reconstruction experts to identify contributing factors, such as poor signage, impaired driving, or roadway design flaws, and build each case to maximize compensation. Our team at Rutter Mills will guide you through every step of the process, from gathering critical evidence and accessing top medical care to make sure all of the deadlines are met, so you can focus on recovery while we fight for your rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way crash anywhere in Hampton Roads, the wrong-way driving accident attorneys at Rutter Mills are here to help. Our team has represented Hampton Roads families for over 60 years with the compassion, skill, and dedication every victim deserves. Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Written by:
Erik Porcaro
Car Accident LawyerErik Porcaro is a former Assistant District Attorney turned dedicated personal injury attorney at Rutter Mills in Norfolk, where he leverages his courtroom experience to fiercely advocate for injury victimss. A Fordham Law graduate with over 20 years experience, Erik specializes in complex personal injury cases, offering a client-centered approach that puts victims' recovery and justice at the forefront.
Make the Right Call After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach
When you are ready to discuss your car accident claim, our attorneys will be here for you. Rutter Mills is the personal injury law firm that goes beyond the ordinary. We have the expertise, resources, and renowned reputation to take on the big insurance companies and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Legacy
0
+
Years Helping Injury Victims
Locations
0
Convenient Locations in Hampton Roads
Strength
0
+
Team Members Ready to Help
What Matters Most
Enjoy this 60 second look at "What Matters Most" to us.
ACTUAL GOOGLE REVIEWS
See what our clients say about their experience at Rutter Mills.
Workers Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
