Driving at night involves different challenges and dangers than driving during the day. According to the National Safety Council, traffic fatality rates are three times higher at night. The main reason is that our vision is much more limited in every way. Depth perception , color recognition, and peripheral vision are all compromised.
Here are some tips to make driving at night safer:
- Keep your windows, light covers and mirrors clean to improve visibility. Dirty windows and mirrors will reduce visibility and increase glare from lights.
- Make sure your lights and mirrors are properly aimed for optimum performance.
- Put your headlights on approximately one hour before sunset and keep your headlights on one hour after sunrise to make yourself more easily visible to other drivers.
- Refrain from using your high beams when you are following another vehicle or when another vehicle is approaching in the opposite lane.
- When there is fog, use low beam headlights. High beams reduce your own ability to see.
- If you need to pull over, put on your emergency flashers and completely pull off the road.
- Avoid having lights on inside the car.
- Avoid smoking in the car, especially at night. The smoke can further reduce vision.
- Reduce your speed and increase your following distances at night.
- Avoid driving when your feeling tired.
- Concentrate on driving, don't allow yourself to become distracted by cell phones, loud music, etc.
- Have your vision checked on a regular basis. Some people have specific problems with their night vision and need to wear special glasses or avoid driving at night.
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