Driving at night presents many unique challenges and hazards compared to daytime driving. With reduced visibility, greater chances of encountering impaired or fatigued drivers, and increased difficulty recovering from a dangerous situation, extra precautions need to be taken.
Lights and Visibility
One of the biggest challenges of night driving is the severely limited visibility. To help compensate:
- Make sure all your vehicle’s exterior lights are working properly and are bright. Replace any burned out bulbs immediately.
- Keep headlights, taillights, windows, and mirrors clean and free of dirt/debris for maximum clarity and brightness.
- Avoid looking directly into the headlights of oncoming traffic, as this can temporarily blind and impair your vision.
- Use your high beam headlights, when possible, on dark, rural roads with no oncoming traffic, but be sure to dim them when other vehicles approach to avoid blinding other drivers.
- Consider upgrading to brighter, higher quality headlight bulbs designed specifically for better nighttime illumination if your factory bulbs seem inadequate.
Fatigue and Impairment
Driver fatigue and impairment from alcohol or drugs are major contributing factors in many nighttime accidents. Lack of sleep severely affects your reaction time, judgment, and vision in ways you may not even realize.
- Make sure you get plenty of rest before any long nighttime drives to avoid fatigue setting in.
- On longer trips at night, share driving duties and take frequent breaks to allow drivers to rest and recharge.
- Never drive if you have been drinking alcohol or have taken any impairing drugs or medications. Even small amounts can greatly increase risk.
- Stay vigilant and on the lookout for signs of impaired or drowsy drivers on the road like weaving, drifting, erratic speeds, etc. and give them plenty of room.
Road Hazards
At night, it becomes much harder to see potential road hazards like:
- Animals like deer, pets, livestock, etc. Be especially cautious when driving in rural/wooded areas.
- Pedestrians or cyclists who may be very difficult to see until the last second.
- Debris and obstacles in the road that are obscured by darkness and shadows.
- Drive slowly and continually scan ahead as far as your headlights illuminate to react in time.
Vehicle Preparedness
If your vehicle breaks down at night, the situation becomes much more dangerous. The experts at Clore Automotive say that having a few key items can help:
- An auto emergency jump starter pack to restart your vehicle if the battery dies.
- Roadside emergency flares or warning triangles to increase visibility for other vehicles.
- A basic tool kit with various tools, flashlight, gloves for attempting minor repairs.
Slowing Down
With the visibility and hazard limitations of nighttime driving, trying to maintain normal daytime speeds intended for optimal conditions can be extremely risky.
- Always obey posted lower nighttime speed limits, which account for reduced visibility.
- Never overdrive your headlight illumination; go slow enough that you can safely stop within the distance you can clearly see ahead.
- Increase your following distance significantly to give yourself more reaction time if the car in front stops suddenly.
Eliminating Distractions
Nighttime driving requires your absolute full attention and focus on the road. Avoid any potential distractions like:
- Cell phones: put them away and ignore calls/texts until you reach your destination.
- Changing radio stations, music, or audio book controls, or messing with other vehicle controls.
- Eating, drinking, or smoking, which can divert your eyes and attention.
- Having intense or animated conversations with passengers that pull your focus from driving.
Conclusion
Using extra caution means you can dramatically improve your safety when driving at night. Do not let your guard down once the sun goes down, as nighttime driving risks are significant.