Driving at nightis more challenging for a variety of reasons. Drivers have reduced visibility. Streetlights are dimmed. There’s an increased difficulty in judging distance and speed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, road fatalities triple at nighttime. Even when you’re driving at such a low speed, you can still get into accidents. Driving at 60 mph, for example, requires more than 200 feet to stop. Low-beam lights can see only 150 to 200 feet in front of your vehicle. That’s just enough space to make a complete stop when you’re driving at 60 mph.
You can buy smart glasses because they will help improve your vision even during the night. But you cannot completely rely on them. It is your responsibility to have your eyes checked regularly. The doctor will tell you if you can’t drive at night. Although in truth, you should be the one to determine whether you can still drive safely at night.
But aside from your need to have your eyes checked (which is obvious), what other things should you do to ensure that you can drive safely at night? What are the precautions all drivers must take when traversing the roads at night?
Lower Your Speed
If you’re used to driving at 80 mph on the highway during the daytime, why not reduce this to 60 mph or 40 mph at night? This will reduce the chances of you belatedly reacting to road obstructions. When you drive slowly, it gives your body enough time to respond to roadblocks and other causes of accidents. Even with your headlights on, it’s difficult to see at night. Lowering your driving speed is the wisest step to take.
Aim Your Headlights
Even brand-new cars have sometimes unevenly aimed headlights. Check your car’s manual on how to aim the lights correctly. Just make sure that they don’t point at oncoming traffic. Even low-beam headlights can temporarily blind the other driver. That can cause accidents.
Speaking of headlights, if you have older cars, the covers may have faded or turned yellow. You can clean the headlight covers so that your lights can shine better. You’ll be able to see the road clearly.
Give Other Drivers More Space
Remember that you are sharing the road with other drivers. It is best to give them space, especially if they don’t practice safe driving at night. They may also behave erratically because of being intoxicated or being too tired from work. Be prepared to give them more space by not driving too close to the middle of the road or the car in front of you.
Keep Distractions to a Minimum
You shouldn’t be distracted every time you’re driving, but you should take extra precautions when you’re driving at night. Put away your mobile phones, turn the radio down, turn off the infotainment system, and dim the lights. Focus on driving safely, especially when you’re traversing a road you’re not familiar with.
Driving safely-whether during daytime or nighttime-should be ingrained in your DNA. If you have visual impairment and your doctors advise you to stop driving at night, don’t be hardheaded and heed their advice. Remember that you are also responsible for the safety of those you’re sharing the roads with.
