3 Tips for Driving Safely at Night
A variety of factors contribute to making driving at night riskier than driving during the day. In fact, research from the National Safety Council indicates that fatal crashes are three times more likely to happen at night than during the day.
Just like you adjust your driving style to various weather conditions, it’s important to do the same for driving at night. Here are some tips to keep in mind to make night driving as safe as possible for you and other drivers on the road.
1. Don’t Drive While Fatigued
A poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that 37% of respondents said they have fallen asleep while driving. There are many factors that cause this, including working third shift, not getting enough quality sleep, and working long hours. While a driver may not be able to change a work schedule, they can practice healthy sleep habits in an effort to eliminate the drowsy driving risk — so aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. Also, don’t drive if you haven’t slept in 24 hours. If you are on a long road trip, stop every two hours to rest, and always pull over if you are drowsy.
2. Combat the Darkness
When it’s dark outside, your depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are affected. A car’s headlights driving in the opposite direction can even temporarily blind you. Take care of your vehicle: ensure your headlights and windshield are clean. This enables your headlights to work at full power, and gives you as much visibility as possible from your lights and a clear windshield. Another tip is to dim your dashboard lights to eliminate the harsh contrast from the interior and exterior of the car.
3. Take Care of Your Eyes
Many people, especially those over the age of 50, have trouble seeing in dim light. If you have issues with seeing in low-light conditions, be sure to drive slowly and minimize your distractions to ensure your focus is on the road. If your night vision is poor, seriously think about only driving during the day.
Driving at night requires extra vigilance to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. By taking the necessary precautions, you can increase the chances that you will arrive at your destination safely.
Free Consultations
If you were injured in a car accident at night, contact The May Firm at 1-844-MAYFIRM. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to go over the details of your case. We can help you take the next steps to get the compensation you deserve under California law.
