Sometimes driving at night is inevitable. Whether we’re commuting home from work, driving to a holiday destination, visiting a relative or just getting stuck in traffic, driving at night is something we all have to experience at some point. And while many of us enjoy driving at night, we’re actually more likely to be involved in a car accident in the dark.
Why?
- Visibility issues
- Fatigue
- Issues with depth perception
- Headlamp glare and dazzling
- Drunk drivers
It’s because of these reasons you might want to step up your night-driving skills, after all the last thing you want is to be involved in a car accident – speak to a Dallas car accident lawyer, here – so, read on and keep these nighttime driving tips in mind.
Get some sleep
At night our energy levels are low, which means that driving leaves us vulnerable and less likely to react in time to hazards. So, if you’re planning to drive at night, getting enough sleep is essential. If it’s not possible, then keeping your energy levels up with a little caffeine will also help. If you find yourself struggling to keep your eyes open, or you find yourself driving and unable to remember the last few minutes behind the wheel, pull over and rest your eyes.
Look out for cyclists and pedestrians
Of course, many cyclists, joggers and even dog walkers don’t wear reflective clothing at night. Putting themselves in danger and making it incredibly difficult for drivers like you to spot them. If you’re driving down a poorly lit road, be extra cautious and drop your speed.
Increase your distance
As a driver, tailgating is irresponsible. However, if you’re driving at night you should increase the distance between yourself and the car in front of you. Therefore, if they brake suddenly, you’ll have time to react and avoid a rear-ended crash.
Keep your windshield clean
Dirt, grime, mud, squashed bugs and grease. All normal residue you’d find on a windshield. While a dirty windshield is harmless during the day, at night it will severely impact your visibility, especially when the lights from other headlamps shine directly onto your windshield. Keeping your screen clean (inside and out) will prevent this from happening.
Don’t drive distracted
Whether you’re checking your phone, turning up the radio to hear the traffic news, or eating your dinner behind the wheel, driving distracted at night will only increase the likelihood of being involved in a crash.
