Tips For Night Driving

As we all know, driving at night is much more perilous than driving during the day.  Since 90 percent of a driver’s reaction is dependent on their vision, it is clear that this would be the case.  Drivers’ vision is worse at night, so their ability to respond to road hazards is very limited.  Older drivers are particularly susceptible to this.  In fact, according to the National Safety Council, “traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day.”

After sunset is also a time when others on the road practice unsafe driving, such as when they drive drowsy or while intoxicated.  This makes driving at night unsafe not only because of limitations on ourselves, but because of others.  Always be wary of other vehicles on the road.

The Department of Motor Vehicles offers some tips for driving more safely at night:

1)      If you feel sleepy, pull over and rest for a while.  Driving while drowsy is dangerous.  It is best to stay safe on the road and maintain your alertness.  For tips on knowing if you are too sleepy to drive and avoiding the dangers of drowsy driving, see our post on drowsy driving from August 3.

2)      Use your headlights.  This is the most basic step drivers must take when driving at night.  Headlights not only allow you to see the road better at night, but they allow others to see your vehicle in the darkness.

3)      Keep your windshield clean, both inside and out.  A dirty windshield can cause glare and hamper your ability to see through it, which can make driving at night even more dangerous.  Stay safe and keep your windshield clean.

4)      Drive slower and maintain a greater distance from the car in front of you.  Since vision is impaired at night, it is more difficult to react to slowing or stopping cars.  Be safe and keep your distance.

5)      Be able to stop within the area that is illuminated by your headlights.  This goes in line with driving slower.  It is very important that you follow this precaution because if you cannot stop within that distance, you will almost certainly hit any road hazards in front of you.

6)      Do not use high beams when you see oncoming traffic or when close behind another vehicle.  Your high beam lights can be too bright and can hinder other drivers’ vision.

7)      Keep your lights clean.  In order for light to shine through the headlight and tail light covers, they must remain clean and clear.  You don’t have to give them a sparkling shine every time you drive, but make sure that they are able to light up when you turn them on.

8)      If you can’t see because of an oncoming car’s high beams, watch the right edge of the road and use it as a guide to stay on the road.  This technique can help you keep driving when you are blinded by that other inconsiderate driver.

9)       When you have an emergency with your vehicle, pull off the road as far as possible and turn on your emergency lights.  This will allow other drivers to see you as best as possible.

10)   Be sure your lights function properly.  Perform regular checks on your lights to be certain.

These are just some suggestions for driving at night.  Be sure to follow them when you get behind the wheel after sundown.  They can keep you safe from harm at a dangerous time for driving. As always, if you are ever injured in an accident do not hesitate to call the Injury Helpline for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.  Get the help you deserve.  Call the Injury Helpline at 1-866-892-9204.

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