I agree with bb in ca
Its not as simple as having one answer.
If companies and pilots conducted night VFR operations within the boundaries of their respective Night VISUAL procedues then perhaps the incidences would reduce.
Simply put, when flying at night it is supposed to be the same as day but only darker. You should still have a horizon and should still be able to see the ground (when within a couple of thousand feet, as dictated by respective authorities).
As the saying goes "if your NVFR then your NVFR, if your not sure then you are IFR ".
Flying over London NVFR is obviously not the same as flying over a remote area with minimal if any ground lighting. In remote areas give me a suitably equiped IFR twin with all the bells and whistles anyday. If you have the money give me a second pilot also.