It’s very important to be hyper vigilant when driving at night. Without taking proper precautions, nighttime driving can be hazardous to you, your passengers, and others on the road. Take heed of these tips to stay safe on the road after hours:
Have the Proper Eyewear Handy
If you wear eyeglasses or have a prescription for contact lenses, it is crucial you wear your glasses or contacts while driving at night. If you are unsure whether you need a prescription or not, visit the eye doctor to check your vision.
There has been speculation that yellow tinted glasses can aid in nighttime driving, but as many sources have already proved, the yellow tint actually decreases your intake of light, meaning you only think you can see better. The best way to avoid nighttime glare on the road is to wear prescription glasses with an anti-reflective coating.
Lights and High Beams
Always remember to turn your lights on an hour before dawn and an hour before dusk. High beams can also aid your vision during nighttime driving, but it can also be detrimental to other drivers. High beams should only be used on low traffic roads with poor visibility. Make sure to turn off your high beams at least 500 feet from an oncoming driver to avoid blinding them and causing an accident. Keep in mind that basic high beams shine about 350 to 500 feet ahead of your car, and when driving at 60 mph it takes more than 200 feet to come to a complete stop. Even with your eyebeams on, there is little time to react and stop on time. Using your high beams may expand your visibility slightly, but defensive driving is still a must.
Animals on the Road
We share this world with many types of animals and creatures who sometimes find themselves in front our vehicles while we are traveling at very high speeds. You should always be on the lookout for animals on the road, but even more so at night when nocturnal animals are active and not easily seen. An easy way of spotting critters on the road is to look for the reflection of their retinas in your headlights. Animals are attracted to lights so they can be easily spotted by their glowing eyes staring back at your vehicle. If you see an animal in the road, large or small, slow down and avoid swerving. Animals are attracted to headlights so they will tend to follow your headlights if you swerve; you may end up endangering the animal and yourself.
Stay Awake!
According to The National Sleep Foundation, 37% of people have fallen asleep at the wheel at some time in their life. That means 103 million people in America have fallen asleep while driving. As much as you may want to get home after a long day, you are endangering everyone on the road by driving tired. To avoid accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel, drive with a friend, take a break every 1-2 hours, get a good night’s rest before a long drive and pull over if you need to rest.
Stay Clear of Impaired Drivers
It is common knowledge not to drive if you are under the influence, but sharing the road with impaired drivers can be just as dangerous. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 people die every day from crashes due to impaired drivers. Impaired drivers are most commonly found on the roads between the hours of midnight and 3 AM. If possible, refrain from driving during those hours to avoid drunk drivers, not to mention the risk of accidents due to fatigue or animals crossing the road.
Lastly, this goes without saying, do not drive if you feel the slightest bit impaired. If you are questioning if you should drive or not, the answer is always no. Get a ride with a sober friend or take a cab, it is never worth the risk. Apps like Lyft and Uber make it easy to find a quick ride. Check to see if there are free services in your area- they vary in different states and cities, but it may be worth a little research to find out if there are any free, cheap, or alternative services in your area.
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