Safety Tips During Night Drives
Compared to driving during the day, driving at night is more dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal accidents are three times more common at night than during the day. The major reason for this is that humans cannot see in the dark, which is unsurprising. Ironically, some types of light, such as glare from very bright lighting, might exacerbate the condition. Other elements, though, contribute to the difficulty of driving at night. At Prestige Imports in North Miami Beach, FL, we have figured out the most common issues people have while driving at night, and we have come up with five top safety tips during night drives. Click here to check out our used cars inventory.
How to Drive Safe After Nightfall?
- Do not Drink and Drive – The rate of fatal collisions involving alcohol impairment is four times more at night than during the day. Never drive after drinking, regardless of the time of day.
- Clean Windshields and Headlights Regularly – Dirty or cracked windshields can scatter light and potentially enhance the effects of glare. Broken headlights, on the other hand, can reduce vision and project glare onto oncoming cars.
- Use High Beams Appropriately – High beams are useful in rural regions or on wide highways but remember to dim them when you are within 500 feet of an incoming car (so the other driver is not temporarily blinded). Do not use them if you are following another vehicle.
Check Out: Safe Driving Tips for Teen Drivers.
- Drive Slowly – Speeding-related collisions account for 37% of nighttime driving deaths, compared to only 21% during daytime hours. For example, your headlight shines 160 feet in front of you on average, but even at 40 mph, you will need 190 feet to come to a complete stop.
- Avoid Two-Lane Highways as Much as Possible – Due to opposing automobiles’ headlights, lower total illumination, and the fact that these routes tend to have more abrupt bends and hills than a freeway, two-lane highways may be the worst-case scenario for nighttime glare.