Tips To Drive As Safe As Possible At Night

Driving in itself can already be a challenging activity. Do that during the night and it becomes even more difficult and risky. Driving at night is inevitable. But if you know the right thing to do, you can live through its hazards and enjoy your quiet evening ride. Again, this is another issue of visibility but even more so when you’re out at night when it is already dark. Here are some tips that will help you drive better at night and hopefully keep you out of harm’s way.

Be Alert All The Time

Since the surrounding is already tricky because of the darkness, you can’t afford to be driving with only half of your attention. Alertness and reaction time are vital when cruising around town in your vehicle, especially when visibility is already not at its best. If the cool breeze keeps you from falling asleep then roll down the windows or listen to rock songs if that works for you. Just do whatever it is that helps you stay alert.

Take Regular Breaks

It's always advisable to take regular breaks when driving long distances, but this is even more vital when you're driving overnight. Stop for a rest at least every two hours and drink strong coffee to keep yourself alert.

Check Headlight Adjustment

They’re literally and figuratively your only light, so if you know you’re going to be driving at night time you better make sure that they’re not only working properly but that they’re also placed properly. Otherwise, what's the use of having very bright headlights if they’re not illuminating the road well ahead of your car?

Check Your Headlights Regularly

You’d be surprised to know that a lot of people only find out that their headlights aren’t working once they need it. Don’t be that person and risk getting caught in an accident just because of your headlights. It’ll only take about 5 minutes to check it. Turn them on when you’re parked in a dark place, get out and see for yourself if they’re bright or not. If they’re not, get it fixed right away. Take your car to care repair shop as soon as you see a problem with your headlight, don’t put it off any further especially if you always drive at night.

Deer Never Travel Alone

If you’re travelling in the countryside, one of the things that you should prepare yourself is animals crossing the road. So always watch out for them and keep in mind that, most often than not, you’ll encounter a number of them.

Dim Interior Lights

Driving at night requires lights right? Yes, but not much when it comes to your interior lights because that just makes it harder for you to see the road. Dim your lights to a comfortable level, not too bright or too dark. 

Avoid The Cell Phone

We already know this and yet a lot of people are still guilty of distracted driving because of gadgets. If you absolutely have to take or make a call/text message, stop at the side of the road. Don’t do it while driving. Just don’t. Seriously, a text or call is not worth risking your life on the road.

Focus On The Right Side

Headlights from oncoming cars can be blinding. Not only because they can be too bright but also because there are people that may have positioned their car’s headlight too high, which can really affect your vision. To avoid this, focus on the right side of the road   so that you’re looking at the road ahead of you instead of other car’s lights.

Split Up

You know that you should maintain distance from the car in front of you when driving right? It’s highly suggested that the distance should at least be one car length. But if it’s during the night, it would be better to double that just to be safe since you’re visibility is already reduced.

Clean Your Windshield

Do not underestimate how much a clean and clear windshield can either help you see or not while driving. Don’t just rely on your wipers to clear your view for you either. But then again it’s still important that your wipers are always in good condition; change the rubbers twice a year. If you’ve noticed that it doesn’t work as it should, seek car repair immediately. Always clean it off inside and out especially when you drove while raining as the moist can blur your view and if it’s really dusty.

Don’t Drink

Do you know how many individuals have been in an accident because of driving under the influence of alcohol? Every two minutes, a person is injured in a drunken driving crash according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s just DUI, but even one drink can make you feel sleepy which definitely puts your safety on the road in jeopardy.

The thing about driving a car on the road is that no matter how precautions you are and no matter how skilled you are as a driver, there are some situations that you just can’t help and may put you at risk of accident.  One of them is driving at night, but hopefully you learn how to maneuver as safe as possible so that you wouldn’t be held back by it, resort to taking public transportation, or be scared every time you’re driving under such conditions.