5 Important Tips to Avoid Unsafe Nighttime Driving

Driving at night, for some, is unavoidable, but for the great majority, nighttime driving is just a part of their life. There is no doubt that driving at night is more dangerous than during the day, and this is because of the reduced visibility the nighttime brings. 

In the winter months, the hours the sunlight hits the roads are limited. Summer brings us longer hours of daylight, making nighttime driving nonessential, but what about road trips during dark hours? Driving safely at night is all about taking the necessary precautions. 

Here are some of the most important tips to keep you safe behind the wheel while nighttime driving.

1. Avoid Tired Nighttime Driving! 

Nighttime Driving while drowsy is a dangerous activity that no person should willingly do when getting behind the wheel. When you are tired, reaction time dramatically decreases, which in turn decreases your ability to drive safely.

The CDC conducted a survey observing 19 states and the District of Columbia, and out of 150,000 participants, 4% said that within the last 30 days, they had fallen asleep while driving.

Falling asleep behind the wheel is much more common than you’d think, and when you are tired driving at nighttime, your chances of dozing off are even higher. 

How to Avoid Drowsy Driving?

• Get enough sleep before getting on the road
• Don’t drive hours you typically sleep
• Eat and drink foods that stimulate brain function
• Do activities to keep you awake (i.e., blast music, talk on the phone)

2.  Slow Down & Create Space 

Numerous elements decrease driving reaction time in the dark. A critical component is a drop in reaction time because of reduced visibility in the nighttime hours.

Creating distance between your car and the car ahead of you can allow more time to react to a situation that may arise. Lower visibility makes it harder to have the best judgment when nighttime driving.

Not only should you create space between you and the next car, but slow down. Reducing speed is a crucial step in driving safely at night.

Similar to when it is raining or snowing, and we experience less visibility and slow down, do the same with nighttime driving.

It is immensely beneficial to reduce speed and increase the distance if you want to increase your chances of reacting accordingly.

3. Lighting & Nighttime Driving

Our eyes are sensitive when we drive at night, and lights from inside and outside sources can be distracting. At night glare recovery decreases, especially from other vehicles.

If oncoming traffic has high beams on, it can temporarily blind you. If you notice an approaching car has its high beams on, flash your high beams to notify them that theirs are on so you can avoid any blindness.

Not only can other cars hinder our vision while nighttime driving, but internal dashboard lights can distract us. Adjust the setting to be dimmer on the dashboard of your car. Most newer cars have bright LED lights, so ensure they are not too bright to cause a distraction.

4. Be a Defensive Driver 

Decreased visibility at night makes it more difficult to see the area around us. While driving during the day, you are more likely to see an animal hiding in the bushes getting ready to get in your lane.

Not only are animals a concern when driving at night, but other people are too. You may not notice someone walking across the street that you otherwise would during the daytime hours.

Slowing down and making sure to consistently check your surroundings can help when trying to achieve nighttime driving safety. 

5. Clean Windows & Check Lights 

As we have touched upon, glares while nighttime driving can be distracting. Avoid distractions by ensuring you have clean windows and mirrors.

When your window is dirty, it will worsen glares. If you have any streaks or bugs on your window, you can expect glares would decrease by cleaning the window.

Another helpful tip is to check and make sure all lights on your automobile are working. The more light you have to guide your path, the better visibility you will experience driving at night. 

All in All 

These five important tips can help you avoid some of the dangers that nighttime driving causes. Taking all the precautions possible will help your journey go smoothly.

If everyone stays educated on these nighttime driving tips, the roads will be a safer place for us all. 

The Satanoff Agency is an independent insurance company based in 41 states across America, working to supply our customers with quality assistance and insurance. Our independent agents offer their services to help you as the customer get the unique coverage you need. To get quoted, all you have to do is click here, and one of our talented insurance agents will tailor a personalized plan to ensure you and your family have a fun but safe summer.