In an ideal world, all your travels would be conducted in the safety of the bright daytime sun. Unfortunately, your personal life or occupation will sometimes force you to embark on a journey under the moonlight. The truth is, this time period can be extremely hazardous as fatal accidents are three times more likely to occur at night compared to the day. Below are a few helpful tips that highlight vital practices that must be conducted whenever you drive in the dark.
1. Maintain Vigilance
While defensive driving is important at any time of the day, you should pay even closer attention to your surroundings at night. A simple way to increase your safety is by regularly checking your mirrors and being completely aware of the cars around you.
2. Use Your Lights Properly
Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to select a different mode for your headlights at night. You may even need to turn on your brights if you are in a rural area with no vehicles ahead. Simply put, ensure that the option selected allows you to have a clear view of the road.
3. Stay Completely Awake
As midnight approaches, it is common to feel a little tired behind the wheel. If you feel extremely sleepy then it is best to pull off in a safe area to either get some rest or have some caffeine. No matter how urgent the journey is, it is best that you don’t drive if you aren’t entirely awake.
4. Wear Proper Glasses
This point may not apply to you if you have good vision but many drivers require glasses to assist with clear sight. If you are one of these individuals, make sure that you wear proper glasses at night. In some cases, you may end up needing a particular prescription for the late hours of the day.
5. Avoid High Speeds
Excessive speeds result in 37% of nighttime driving fatalities. Always adjust your speed and drive slower in the dark. There is no reason for you to risk your life by breaking the speed limit in the fast lane. Only drive at the speed that will allow you to make rapid decisions in an emergency.
Driving at night poses a number of risks, so it is essential to always pay attention to the safety tips listed above. By following these simple points, you can help to ensure that both you and the cars around you are just a little bit safer. Stay tuned to our blog for more helpful articles in the coming months.