Driving at night can be more challenging than driving in the day time. This is because there are fewer sources of light to gauge the surrounding environment by.
There are fewer vehicles with their headlights on, and there are few streetlights in most places at night. This can create very dark environments, which is why it is important to have good headlights on your vehicle.
Night time driving can be daunting due to sleepiness and distraction. Many people struggle with staying awake during late night hours, which is why it is important to keep alert and awake!
Driving at night requires more attention to detail as well. It is harder to see certain objects or animals in the roadway, so vigilance must be taken to avoid any accidents.
This article will discuss how to drive safely at night by giving you tips and tricks for your driving style.
Do not use your phone
A major safety risk is using your phone while driving. Many people feel the need to check their phone for notifications or to get directions, but this can put you in danger.
Not only are you taking your eyes off of the road and distance attention away from driving, you are also putting more work into driving.
Driving takes a lot of mental energy so if you have to focus on what app to use or where to go on the app, then you are not fully concentrating on the road.
The best thing to do is just turn off your phone until you arrive at your destination. If there is an emergency and someone needs to contact you, then use the call feature or type an SMS.
Drive at a consistent speed
There’s a reason most traffic accidents happen at night: most driving happens at night. More people are on the road, and most drive with habitual speed.
That can be a problem when some people drive too fast and others drive too slow. You want to be in the middle where you have a consistent speed.
That way, you can anticipate that person ahead of you or that turn ahead of you. You will not need to accelerate or decelerate quickly which can prevent an accident.
Dr. Van Tassel recommends driving at 55 mph which is the national average speed. This way, you are more visible and able to react to things in front of you more easily.
Also, do not race other cars even if they are going faster than you- this could put you in danger due to lack of visibility and anticipation.
Allow enough space between you and the car in front of you
Driving at night requires less light than driving in the day. This means you need to use other means to see the road clearly.
One of these means is allowing enough space between you and the car in front of you. The car in front of you will reveal the contours of the road, which are needed to see where you are going.
If you drive too close, your own car will block this information, making it more difficult to see the road. Also, if another vehicle crosses into your lane, you will not be able to see it until it is too late.
Driving at a safe speed is another important factor when driving at night. Racing down the highway may feel exciting, but if there are no cars then it is unnecessary. Stay at a speed that is safe for conditions and situations.
Be aware of other hazards on the road
Although cars are the main threat, you should also be aware of other hazards on the road. Animals such as dogs or raccoons can run into the road at any time, so be aware of the edge of the road!
Other drivers can may attempt to cross lanes to enter an exit or turn only lane. These drivers may not have adequate lights, making it harder to see them.
Pedestrians can also pose a threat if they decide to cross the road at night. Keep an eye out for those as well!
Van Tassel stressed the importance of being vigilant for these other hazards, as they can easily cause a collision if you are not paying attention to them.
Stop every hour or so to rest your eyes
Many workers rely on driving as their primary source of income. However, many people are involved in close calls and accidents due to driving for long periods of time without rest.
Dr. Van Tassel recommends that you stop every hour or so to rest your eyes. Take a walk around the car or take a short nap in the car to get some rest.
Remember, all accidents are preventable, so do everything in your power to do so. The more rested you are, the more aware you will be while driving, which will reduce the chance of an accident occurring.
Don’t overwork yourself, as this will only lead to exhaustion and further complications.
Make sure your vehicle headlights are working properly
It may seem like a simple thing, but many drivers don’t know how to check if their headlights are working properly.
You can do a quick check yourself by driving in daylight and making sure you have both high and low beam lights, they sync up, and they are bright.
If you have trouble seeing in the dark, it may be time to replace your headlights. Older models may not work well with new technology such as autonomous cars which use additional sensors.
Dr. Van Tassel also recommends keeping an extra pair of headlights in the back of your vehicle in case one burns out during the night. This way, you can quickly fix the problem and continue driving safely.
He also warns against turning your headlight all the way down to conserve fuel because that may not allow for enough visibility at night.
Check your tire pressure
A common cause of car accidents is underinflated tires. According to the United States Department of Transportation, tire failure is the direct cause of over 1,000 fatalities per year.
Tire pressure plays a significant role in your safety while driving. Underinflated tires will lead to more frequent tire rotations, costlier repairs, and potential fatalities due to a blowout.
Too much tire pressure can lead to similar issues as low pressure does. Since both cases involve air inside the tire, it can lead to the tread coming into contact with the road, causing a potential accident.
Make it a habit to check your tire pressure once a week and invest in a good gauge that is accurate.
Get an oil change before you need it
Having your vehicle’s oil changed before it needs it is a great way to be prepared for winter driving. While this may seem like an early Christmas gift, the benefits are worth it!
When you need your vehicle’s oil changed, the technicians at your local oil change facility will check the condition of the oil and replace it if necessary. This prevents the vehicle from needing to work harder to regulate its temperature, which could cause other problems.
Winter weather can also cause problems with the transmission and changing gears. Having fresh oil will help prevent it from freezing and sticking in one place while trying to move the vehicle forward.
