Going for night drives is a lot of fun and you can make wonderful memories as well. But driving at night is a lot more precarious than driving during the daytime. Fatal accidents are more likely to happen at night time. A few reasons for this are because we can’t see as well in the dark, the glare from bright lights can be a distraction, and many other factors. The information provided below can help you experiment with a wonderful night driving experience safely.
1. Lights
Inspect all your lights regularly, including high & low beams, brake lights, fog lights, and indicators. Ensure that your headlights are always switched on and working when you’re driving at night to be visible to other cars, vehicles and pedestrians. You should also turn them on in adverse weather conditions so that the view is more clear. Moreover, not all the streetlights will be in good condition.
Use high beams when appropriate. Always using high beams will become a nuisance for other drivers and vehicles. The best time to use it is in isolated areas at night. This setting should be used preferably when there are no vehicles around. If a vehicle does come into view, you should switch to your low beam headlights so that you don’t impair the other driver’s vision.
2. Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance of your vehicle can help you avoid many car troubles, especially at night. That includes a frequent change in oil, battery checks, and tire replacement. Moreover, it helps in having a comfortable journey. Damaged and dirty windshields can make it harder for you to see the road, so fix any cracks on it. Dirty and broken headlights can also shine lesser light on the road in front of you, which also interferes with your vision.
3. Be a defensive driver
Practising strategies aimed at avoiding potential accidents, like looking at your blind spot while changing lanes is important. The risk of a collision at night is very high, so it is important to be extra vigilant. Moreover, you should slow down and use your high beams whenever it is safe to do so.
According to a study, the rate of fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment is four times higher at night. Of Course, you should never get behind the wheel after drinking, no matter what time of the day it is. It is best to be a defensive driver when dusk arrives.
4. Control your speed
When your field of view is limited, it is important to follow speed limits at night. Driving fast is rarely a good idea. Furthermore, the faster you drive, the less time you have to respond to any obstacle that comes your way. It is also important to keep a safe distance between your car and the one in front of you. It is better to drive at speeds appropriate for the conditions of the road, roads can be slippery when wet. Speeding-related crashes account for 37% of nighttime driving fatalities.
5. Fatigue
It is important to make sure that you’re alert and well-rested whenever you’re driving. Your brain makes more sleep-inducing melatonin when it’s dark. The risk of drowsy driving crashes is significantly more at night because our brains are hard-wired to sleep during that time. It usually happens between midnight and 6 a.m. If you experience fatigue or energy loss while driving, find a safe place on your path to stop and take a rest. You can continue the drive in the morning. Other quick remedies are turning the radio on, rolling down the windows for fresh air, or even singing to yourself.
Late-night drives are now and again part of road journeys. Hopefully, you will not stumble upon any problems on a journey in the middle of the night. However, preparation goes a long way in making your night journeys safer. And following all of these pointers can assist you to have a calmer, greater exciting night drive.
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