10 Tips for Driving at Night
10 Tips for Driving at Night
Our eyes see things differently in daylight than at night. In fact, we are basically color blind at night, seeing only white, gray, and black. We lose visual acuity, our peripheral vision essentially goes away, and we can see moving objects better than stationary objects. This is the case for pretty much everyone. It’s just how our eyes work.
Unfortunately, statistically, there are more traffic accidents at night and traffic-related deaths are three times greater at night. Take into account any vision impairment or limitation and the dangers increase on the road at night for drivers.
To stay safe, check out these 10 tips for driving at night so you can avoid or greatly reduce the chances of getting into a serious car crash.
1. Get an annual vision exam
Night driving adds additional strain on vision and even more so if night blindness comes into the picture. In fact, night blindness affects millions of people. Driving at night with the glare of street lights or reflected water from rain, all can add to the dangers of driving at night. Most of the time though, the strain of night driving can be alleviated by a corrective pair of lenses or contacts.
2. Clean your lights and windows
The safest way to drive a night is to make sure your lights and windows are clean and clear and free of dirt that may cause obstructions. Clear headlights, taillights, signal lights, and all the windows of your car.
3. Reduce speed
Reducing speed is one of the most important safety measures you can take when it comes to keeping you and others safe at night on the road. Speeding is one of the leading causes of crashes in the US, as speed impacts a driver’s ability to see their surroundings and reduces reaction time. Nighttime only adds to the dangers because darkness reduces vision. Slow down when you drive at night.
4. Increase following distance
Space between cars allows for a buffer of distance that allows drivers to make urgent stops if the situation calls for it. Always give yourself and the car in front of you enough space that if they stop suddenly, you have enough time to stop your car without colliding into the back of them.
5. Don’t drive drowsy
Drowsy driving is as dangerous as driving while impaired, and falling asleep at the wheel means you lose all control of your vehicle, with many head-on collisions happening due to a driver falling asleep at the wheel. If you are tired, pull off the road and get rest so you can remain completely alert while driving.
6. Car trouble? Pull off the road completely
Nighttime naturally impairs drivers’ ability to see things on the road, so if you are having car trouble, completely pull off so that you are safely away from any passing traffic. The probability of not being seen at all by other drivers is the highest at night.
7. Don’t smoke
Beyond the dangers of smoking on your health, smoking in a car increases the likelihood of car crashes. It’s a serious distraction while driving.
8. Turn your headlights on 30 minutes before sunset
Many newer cars have automatic headlights that come on even during the day and many detect when the lights start getting dimmer as the sun sets. If your car does not have an automatic headlight function, make sure to turn on your lights 30 minutes before the sun sets, as twilight can reduce your vision too.
9. Avert your eyes down to the right of the road
Nighttime brings oncoming traffic that may use high beams and that can leave you unable to see for several seconds or minutes. Look down to the right side of the road so your eyes are still on the road, but you can avoid the possibility of getting temporarily blinded by a flash of oncoming high beams while driving.
10. Avoid overdriving your headlights
Remember it takes about 150 feet to stop a car with optimal brakes traveling at 70mph. If you’re driving so fast it takes longer than the beam of your headlights to stop, you are going too fast. Also, refer back to tip #3.
We Truly Care about Your Safety
All of us at Covered want to make sure you are always safe on the road, so keep these things in mind every time you get behind the wheel at night.
Speak with one of our Insurance Advisors to see how you may be able to save on your auto insurance based on your safe driving by calling 833-487-2683 or send us a message. We’re here to help with all of our insurance needs.
We got you Covered.