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Safety Tips For Driving At Night

It’s not just (How to Safe Night Drive) paranoia. Driving at night is especially dangerous. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, deaths are three times more common at night than during the day.

“The biggest thing is that we can’t see well in the dark,” said Alex Epstein, the National Security Council’s director of transportation safety. “The road ahead is narrow, space is limited.” And it’s time to stop.”

However, other factors make driving at night difficult. 12 tips to help you survive the chaos.

Side view of young man with eyeglasses sitting inside of his car and yawning. One hand on mouth. Bright lights at background.

1. Be Extra Defensive

The NHTSA says that while drinking and driving after dark is a higher risk, the death rate for people with alcohol disabilities is four times higher during the day than at night. Of course, you should never get behind the wheel after drinking, regardless of the day (don’t drive even if you’re focused); But it’s a good idea to keep your immune system on high alert at night.

2. Combat Fatigue

According to NHTSA, fog events are most likely to occur between midnight and 6 am. So be aware that there may be sleepy drivers on the road during these times and make sure you are alert. Have some caffeine, park in a safe place to relax, or stay for the night. Some drivers report other actions that may help: turning on the radio (not louder); regularly rolling down the windows to get fresh air, and they speak or singing alone.

3. Clean Up Your View

According to the NHTSA, dirty or damaged windshields can scatter light and increase glare. The group said dirty or damaged headlights can reduce visibility and glare for oncoming drivers. Therefore, clean your headlights and windshield regularly; Use a special bag to clean your torches.

4. Avoid Two-Lane Highways

The NHTSA says two-lane highways can be a “worst-case scenario” for lightning at night because there is less light from the headlights of nearby vehicles and because these roads have curves and hills. It is much faster than the highway. If possible, take the safe route at night.

5. Slow Dow

NHTSA says speeding crashes account for 37 percent of nighttime deaths, compared to 21 percent during the day, due to poor visibility and short reaction times. For example, your headlights would normally shine 160 feet in front of you, but you need 190 feet to stop even at 40 mph. Adjust your speed for factors like visibility, says Ross Rader of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

6. Angle Your Headlights Correctly

If the beams are too short, you will lose some of your (How to Safe Night Drive) much-needed light while driving. But if it’s backed up too much, it can interfere with front-end drivers. Some states include an annual inspection to check the angle of the headlights, but if not, take the initiative to make sure the headlights are oriented properly. “It’s not generally a DIY project,” Ryder says. “Consumers should contact an auto dealership or repair shop for assistance.”

7. Use High Beams When Appropriate

High beams are rarely used, Radar said, but they can be effective on fields or open roads. Remember, when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle (avoid temporarily blinding the other driver) and another vehicle follows and disappears. If you find yourself in the market for a new car, Radar recommends looking for adaptive lighting that automatically adjusts to the high beam based on the presence of other vehicles.

8. Tweak Your Inside Lighting

NSC’s Epstein says that if your dashboard lights are too bright, it can be confusing to look next to your dashboard in the dark. He recommends “dimming the interior lights at night so that important controls are easily seen but not distracting.” “And use your night vision to protect yourself from street lights and glare.” He said many new cars have mirrors that automatically reduce glare from bright light.

9. Look In The Right Direction

“Always keep your eyes on the road, but don’t blink and never look at the oncoming headlights,” Epstein said. When approaching oncoming intersections, keep your eyes on the left so headlights don’t obstruct you, and use the right side of the road or lane markings as a guide to staying on the route. Watch for oncoming traffic.

10. Watch For Wildlife

Moose encounters occur in the early morning or late afternoon and are most common in October and January. Bright light will help you bring out the glowing eyes of the animal. When you see them, the surest way to stay safe is to slow down and stop—don’t run.

Illustration of a deer in front of a car.

11. Take Care Of Your Eyes

Check your outlook every year, according to the National Security Council; As people (How to Safe Night Drive ) get older, lighting becomes a bigger problem. You may also need another prescription at night.

12. Test And Use Your Lights

Check all your lights regularly, including low, high, daytime running lights, turn signals, and brake lights. And make sure you use your headlights to see; They should be turned on not only when it is dark, but also in bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice.

Read more: Heads Up! Are You Driving Drowsy?