Tips for Night Driving
Thursday, November 29th, 2007With the nights growing longer, weather infringing upon the daylight, and holiday lights catching our attention, driving safely at night becomes increasingly important. Especially when you consider that, depending on the source of information, the likelihood of being in an accident is either twice or three times higher after dark.
Here, then, are tips for safe night driving:
- Prepare your car. Make sure headlights, taillights, and turn signals and windows are all clean, and that your headlights are properly aimed, both to ensure that you can see the road correctly, and to keep from blinding other drivers.
- Don’t drink or smoke while driving. Alcohol is a depressant and can increase fatigue, as well as impair your response time, while nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke are a detriment to night vision.
- Err on the side of light. While they won’t help you see any better during the early twilight hours, having your headlights will make it easier for other drivers to see you.
- Slow down. Drive more slowly when you’re driving in the dark, and leave more room between yourself and other drivers. Distance is more difficult to judge without adequate illumination.
- Be kind. If you’re following another vehicle, switch to your low beams, and do the same when facing oncoming traffic. If someone in an opposing lane keeps their high beams on, you can avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road.
While these tips are meant for night driving in normal conditions, they’re doubly appropriate in inclement weather. Remember also, that if road conditions are bad enough that you don’t feel confident in your vehicle, there is no shame in staying home, or stopping in a motel for the night.
