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Six Essential Tips For Driving In The Dark

5 min read
Even though we drive less at night, many accidents happen after the sun goes down.

Driving at night can be more dangerous than driving during the day as it is harder to see clearly in the dark, increasing the chances of accidents. Glare from other cars’ headlights, poor visibility, and the natural difficulty of seeing at night all add to the risks.

Without sunlight, it’s harder to see what’s ahead on the road. Headlights can help light the way, but they can also cause glare and make it harder for you or other drivers to see clearly. It is also more difficult to judge distances or notice movement around us.

Another challenge of driving at night is fatigue. Many people are tired after a long day, making it harder to stay alert. Distractions like looking at your phone or bright lights from the dashboard can also take your focus away from the road, increasing the chances of mistakes.

Here are six safety tips to help you reduce risks and keep you safe while driving in the dark.

Test and Use Your Lights

Before driving out at night, test your lights, including the low beams, high beams, daytime running lights, turn signals, and brake lights. Car lights are essential not only for you to see in the dark, but also for others to notice you. They signal your presence and communicate your driving intentions to other motorists, ensuring better visibility and safety.

This is also essential for wet weather conditions.

Avoid Staring at Oncoming Vehicles

To avoid being dazzled by a glare, try not to look at the headlights of oncoming cars. Staring directly into the headlights can impair your vision, risking you losing your bearings.

To keep track of your position while driving in the dark, you can look to the left-hand side of the road and follow the markings on the edge of the road if there are any.

If you find it difficult to see from the glare of oncoming cars, slow down and remain in your lane. Do not stop abruptly as this can cause a vehicle travelling behind you to run into you

Watch Out for Children, Seniors, and Cyclists

If you’re driving around residential areas at night, you have to be extra cautious to avoid running into children or the elderly. It is best to drive slowly in these areas so you have enough time to react if anyone happens to step in front of you.

Cyclists can also be harder to spot in the dark, especially if they are not wearing reflective outfits. With quieter roads at night, there may be a tendency for both drivers and cyclists to move faster, so maintaining a safe speed is important to avoid accidents.

Keep Your Windows Clean

Driving with a dirty or cracked windshield can freeze the effects of glare from oncoming vehicles. When driving at night or even during the day, ensure windows are clear from dirt grease or cracks. If you notice any cracks or scratches on your windscreen, be sure to get them fixed as soon as possible.

Additionally, if your windshield wipers are bad, it is best to invest in new ones. Always make it a duty to change your wipers at least every 6 to 8 months, as they accumulate grime over time and this can spread onto your windshield.

Drive Sober and with a Clear Mind

Driving at night without a clear mind is dangerous and can cause problems for not just you, but for other drivers too. Impaired driving is dangerous and can ruin lives, and includes dangerous and careless driving, and driving under influence of drinking. Not only will driving impaired increase your risk of getting involved in an accident, but you could also end up paying huge fines up to $10,000, jail terms, and licence disqualification.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is mostly the root of dangerous and careless driving. If you’re out late at night and not sober, it is best to call a cab, take public transit, or get a designated driver that you trust.

Don’t Drive When Tired

Driving while tired is extremely dangerous and can be as harmful as driving under the influence of alcohol or medication. Fatigue reduces reaction time, impairs decision-making, and increases the risk of accidents.

If you notice signs of drowsiness, such as frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, or difficulty focusing, pull over at a safe place and take a break immediately. For long night-time journeys, plan regular rest stops every two hours to stay refreshed and alert.

Drinking coffee or another caffeinated beverage can help boost your focus temporarily, but it’s not a substitute for proper rest. If possible, share the driving with someone else to avoid overexertion. Your safety and the safety of others depend on staying alert behind the wheel.

More Care to Drive at Night

Night driving requires extra care and attention due to limited visibility, glare, and fatigue. By following these six tips, you can significantly reduce risks and stay safe on the road. Always test your lights before heading out, avoid staring at oncoming headlights, and watch for vulnerable road users like children and cyclists.

Keep your windshield clean, drive sober, and stay alert by addressing fatigue promptly. Safe driving practices are not just about protecting yourself but also ensuring the safety of others. Remember, a few simple precautions can make a big difference in preventing accidents during night-time travel.