* Darkness provided cover. Escaping slaves could more easily hide from their pursuers in the darkness of night. This was especially important for slaves who were escaping from plantations located in rural areas, where there were fewer people around to help them.
* Plantations were often less guarded at night. During the day, most plantation owners and overseers were busy working in the fields or overseeing the slaves' work. At night, however, the plantations were often less guarded, making it easier for slaves to escape.
* Slaves could get a head start on their journey. By escaping at night, slaves could put some distance between themselves and their pursuers before daylight. This gave them a better chance of successfully reaching freedom.
* It was easier to find help. Many enslaved people who escaped found help from other African Americans who were working on underground railroads or who lived in free black communities. These people were more likely to be active at night, so escaping at this time gave enslaved people a better chance of finding the help they needed.