TIPS FOR DRIVING AT NIGHT

Driving at Night

Driving at night or at dusk can be extremely challenging and dangerous too
due to low visibility. Low visibility directly affects colour recognition and depth perception and this in turn causes car accident. It is a well-established fact that road accidents are three times greater at night than during daytime. However, there are several ways to effectively reduce the risks of night driving.

Below are some tips that can improve your safety in the dark for both drivers and pedestrians.

1. First tip is to prepare your car for driving at night. Clean the signal lights, headlights, and taillights once a week. While driving, turn them on 1 hour before sunset and keep them on 1 hour after sunrise for maximum visibility.

2. Refrain from flashing your high beams at a vehicle that has their high beams on; this will lessen their visibility and is much more likely to cause an accident.

3. Make sure that all the exterior lights of your car are in proper working order so that others can see you clearly.

4. Don’t stare directly at the oncoming headlights as it will further impair your night vision, even after the vehicle has gone.

5. Keep all interior lights off. Any kind of light inside the car will seem very bright and will make it more difficult to see.

6. Adjust your side or rear-view mirror to avoid the glare of headlights from a vehicle following you.

7. Also keep the windshield and windows of your car clean as dust deposited on them can cause glare that further decreases visibility.

8. Driving at night is more exhausting than day driving. So, make sure that there is proper ventilation inside the car and you also take regular breaks in between in the case of a long ride.

9. Don’t drink and drive. Not only does alcohol harshly impair your driving ability, but it also acts as a depressant. You should also avoid smoking when you drive because Smoke’s nicotine and carbon monoxide hampers night vision.

10. Ensure to lock doors and roll up windows of your car. Do not talk or allow strangers ride with you because most cases of crime occur at night.

11. Keep your car in tip-top condition for maximum safety. Regularly check tire pressure, fluid levels and brake pads.

By following these tips, you can defend yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road after the sun goes down.

Have a safe trip!