There is circumstantial evidence that human performance begins to deteriorate after a full day. Practice and wariness are the best defenses. Keeping options open is the only salvation. The only guarantee about weather is that it will change, and it may not be what is reported or forecast. There were no airmets or sigmets advising of reduced visibility.
Training is part of the equation as well.
Before 1974, no nighttime flight training was required. After that, three hours of night instruction, with at least 10 takeoffs and landings, was required to earn night privileges as a private pilot. In 1997, the requirement for a night cross-country flight of at least 100 nautical miles total distance was added, and ASF supported those changes. We also think that at some point during training, or just after a new pilot is certificated, he or she should be exposed to marginal weather with low ceilings or visibility. A hazy night is a good time to go up with an instructor and an IFR flight plan if necessary.