Driving at night is obviously more dangerous than driving during the day. The risk is even higher when you're driving a black car. That's because black cars are hard to see at night, making it easier to get hit by other vehicles.
One of the easiest ways to avoid the dangers of night driving is by simply not driving at night. However, this isn't always possible due to daily responsibilities and unexpected circumstances. If you really have to drive at night, then here are some simple measures you can take to reduce your risk of an accident:
You're much more likely to encounter intoxicated drivers when driving at night than during the day. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), many fatal drunk driving accidents occur at night. The numbers are even higher on weekends and holidays because people generally have more free time and are more likely to indulge in drinking.
Poor visibility is another main cause of nighttime accidents. When you drive at night, it's harder to see the road and its surroundings, especially if it's not properly lit. It's also harder to judge distances and see animals, pedestrians, and slow-moving vehicles.
While headlights can help improve visibility, they're not always effective, especially when driving in extremely bad weather. Using high beams can also make it harder for other drivers to see the road. This can temporarily blind them and increase the risk of accidents.
Poor visibility at night can make it hard to see sharp turns, potholes, debris, or unexpected objects in your path. This can easily cause accidents or significant damage to your vehicle. Driving in poorly lit areas also makes it hard to see pedestrians or cyclists, increasing the risk of an accident.
Our bodies are naturally designed to sleep at night. That means you're more at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel at night. It's also natural to feel more fatigued at night, especially if you've had a long day of work, school, or other responsibilities.
Be Extra Defensive
Drunk driving is risky, especially at night. Even if you're not drunk yourself, other drunk drivers can significantly increase your risk of an accident. Therefore, you should always be aware of what's going on around you and put your defensive driving instincts on high alert. This will help you reduce the chances of becoming a victim of impaired driving.
Driving while tired slows your reaction time and lowers your concentration. The risks are even higher at night due to poor visibility. If you find yourself opening the window or drinking some water to try and stay focused, then you should probably take a break.
Even a 10-minute nap can help, but it's best to avoid driving at night if at all possible. If you're driving overnight, then you should consider booking a hotel and breaking the drive into two days. If possible, share the driving with someone else.
Check Your Headlights
It's risky to drive with ill-functioning headlights at night. Therefore, you should check to make sure they're working before hitting the road. Make sure both lights function. If not, replace both of them. When one headlight is stronger than the other, it can decrease your ability to see clearly, especially on dark roads.
Sometimes, dirt, grime, or water residue can make the headlights dirty. Therefore, you should have them cleaned regularly. If cleaning doesn't work, consider using a headlight restoration kit. These kits typically include sandpaper and a polishing compound to help remove the fogginess caused by oxidation.
Reduce Your Speed
Even if you're driving on a well-lit road, it can still be difficult to see the road clearly at night. The risks are even higher when you're driving at a high speed. According to NHTSA, speeding causes at least one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Therefore, when driving at night, you should reduce your speed to increase your reaction time.
Your car's high beam lights can improve visibility on poorly lit roads at night, but only if you use them properly. If you're driving on an unlit road, reduce your speed and switch to your high beams.
However, you should avoid using your high-beam headlights when there is fog, snow, or heavy rain. That's because the light can get reflected back to you, making it harder to see the road clearly. If you can't see the road, it's better to pull over and wait for the bad weather to pass before hitting the road again. You should also turn on your headlights before dusk and after dawn to increase visibility.
When approaching another vehicle at night, you should:
Poor eyesight can make it very difficult to see at night. Therefore, you should have your eyes checked more frequently. According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, you should have your eyes tested once every two years.
If you're in your old age, make sure to get checked for cataracts. Cataracts can significantly reduce your visibility at night. It causes decreased contrast sensitivity, blurry vision, and decreased ability to see under poor lighting. And if you have prescribed contact lenses or glasses, make sure to wear them when driving at night.
Driving at night is challenging, but you can always stay safe by following the tips discussed above. Remember that keeping yourself and others safe on the road is more important than arriving at your destination on time.
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