Did you know that night-time driving is more perilous than daytime? Fatalities often occur during night-time compared to the day, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA). The primary reason is that our visibility reduces at night while you see things more clearly during the day. Sometimes it is the glare of the lights that impedes our vision. Besides this, other factors make night-time driving a hassle. Safety tips for driving at night mentioned below would minimize the risk:
Drive Defensively
Drinking and driving at night might put your life in danger. Individuals are more likely to experience alcohol crashes four times more at night than during the day. Avoid getting behind the wheels after drinking; otherwise, put your defensive driving alerts into action.
Take Some Rest
Driving crashes often take place at midnight or at 6 a.m.You would come across sleepy drivers at this time. Have some coffee and pull over your vehicle at a safe place. Sometimes activities including listening to the radio or taking fresh air by turning the windows down or Singing can help you combat driving stress to a great extent.
Clean-Up Your View
Dirty or damaged windshields lead to scattering of light and surges glare effects. Dirty or damaged lights minimize the visibility, and the oncoming drivers notice glares due to it. Leave the headlights and taillights spick and span by cleaning them using a headlight cleaning kit. You can buy this kit from the well-established car parts and accessories online store ‘The Auto Parts Shop.’
Don’t Drive on Two-Lane Highways
Driving on two-lane highways might put your life at risk. This is possibly due to headlights dissipated by oncoming cars, with the roads having sharper curves and hills than the freeway. It’s better to go from a safe route at night.
Drive at Low Speed
37%of incidents occur due to night-time fatalities while the daytime ones are only 21%. This is so because the vision becomes impaired, thereby reducing the drivers’ reaction times. For instance, a typical headlight shines upto 160 mph; even at 40 miles, you still need 190 mph to halt the car. Therefore, ensure that the drivers keep the visibility in mind during night and reduce their speeds to reach safely.
Align Your Headlights Correctly
You’ll lose excessive illumination if you spot too tilted beams while driving. On the other hand, too much illumination might hamper the driver’s visibility in front. Ensure that your car undergoes yearly inspection and the ones installed on your car are at the proper angle as it’s the practical tip for driving safely at night. This isn’t a DIY project, so a qualified technician or car repair facility must be consulted in that case.
Use High Beams When Necessary
High beams are underestimated but can be advantageous when someone drives on the open road or in rural areas. Try to dim them while you are within 500 feet of an oncoming car and avoid using them while following another car. If you’re planning to buy a new one, choose adaptive lighting systems that adjust the high beams in the presence of other vehicles.
Ensure Your Direction is Right
Ensure that you’re looking in the right way. Try not to stare at the lights for too long. As you notice a vehicle approaching, avoid getting blinded by it and move your eyes down and in the right direction. Lift your gaze up once you notice that the vehicle starts approaching you.
Beware of the Wildlife
You are going to encounter animals like deer from October to January. High beams can help you identify the glowing eyes of the animals. Try to slow down the car or stop instead of scaring the deer.
Get Your Eyesight Checked
Get your eyesight checked as it becomes a problem with age. Your night-time vision needs a unique prescription that needs a doctor’s inspection.
Test and Use Your Lights
Test every light in your vehicle. For example, ensure that your headlights work not when you turn them on but when it gets dark outside. These should also work when the weather conditions become extreme.
The Bottom Line
Ensure that these safety tips are followed judiciously while driving at night. If the vehicle lights need to be inspected, take them to a qualified mechanic, as these tips for driving safely at night prevent you from getting into unexpected situations.