Driving at night is a situation that should be approached with special attention. Drivers must never underestimate the precarious nature of night time driving. Although you should not be afraid to drive at night, you should respect the increased level of danger of nighttime driving. The following tips will assist you in making your after-dark drive safer.
9 Tips for Night Driving:
1.- Be aware that the dangers of driving are exaggerated after dark. The care and caution that you use while driving during the day must be multiplied when driving at night. While driving at night should not frighten motorists, they must be extremely aware of their surroundings and pay close attention to their vehicle.
2.- Before driving at night for the first time, make certain that you know how the headlights and high beams are operated. The vehicle’s owner’s manual will have information about where the apparatus to turn the lights on and off is located, as well as instructions on how to use the vehicle’s high beams. Also, locate the vehicle’s cabin lights. Although you should never turn these on while driving, it is a good idea to know where they are located in case of an emergency.
3.- When you drive at night, you will notice that all street signs are reflective. While you should not have any difficulty seeing street signs and road markers, you may have to pay special attention if you are driving in an unfamiliar area.
4.- It is best to lower your speed when driving at night. Even with headlights, it will be more difficult to see what is ahead of you on the road at night time. Because your reaction time is slower than it is in daylight, a lower speed is prudent when driving at night.
5.- Your driving visibility should be sufficient when using your vehicle’s regular headlights at dusk, in urban areas, or in well-lit neighborhoods. In rural areas or roads with few street lights, you might need to use your vehicle’s high beams to see the road clearly. Make sure to turn off your high beams as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle. Also, never use your high beams while driving behind another car.
6.- When driving after dark, pay special attention to the road and periodically scan ahead for animals. Most accidents involving animals, especially deer, happen at night or very early in the morning.
7.- Be very cautious of other motorists when driving at night. You are more likely to encounter a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at night time.
8.- Keep distractions to a minimum when driving at night. Although you should prevent distractions while driving at any time of the day, driving at night requires even more focused attention. Put away your cell phone, turn the radio down, and ask passengers to assist you in making your knighting driving excursion safe.
9.- Be aware of driver fatigue. Driving at night can be more dangerous because you may experience tiredness or fatigue. If you begin to become sleepy while driving at night, immediately make arrangements for someone else to take the wheel.
Also be aware of other nighttime drivers who might be experiencing the same feelings of fatigue while on the road after a long day at work or school. If you take all of these things into consideration, you will be more likely to have a safe and uneventful nighttime driving experience. For most drivers, driving at night is unavoidable. Knowing how to keep yourself and your passengers safe while driving at night will reduce stress and make the experience just another enjoyable driving experience.