7 Tips to Drive Safer at Night
Statistics show that the average human will spend over 75 years of their life, driving. Now since most of our daily driving (75%) happens during the daylight hours, over 50% of auto related deaths happen at night.
These 7 tips will help you drive just a bit safer at night.
1. Don’t Stare
Try never to stare directly into the oncoming headlights from other vehicles. Driving for long periods of time at night takes some serious focus, and extremely bright lights, like headlights, have been shown to disrupt concentration.
2. Avoid Twilight
Twilight occurs from dawn until sunrise and sunset until dusk each day, and it’s an extremely dangerous time to drive. Not only are drivers typically fatigued during this time, but your eyes are constantly trying to adjust to the changing light, which takes a toll on vision.
3. Keep Your Windshield Clean
When it’s dark outside the streaks on your windshield are much more prominent and can decrease visibility. Keep a cotton or microfiber cloth in your car for windshield touch-ups on the go. Newspaper can also help remove your windshield’s streaks and smudges.
4. Off set Other Drivers Hi-Beams by Looking at Roads Edge
At night, if an oncoming driver does not turn off their high beams, look toward the white line on the right edge of the road to avoid glare.
5. Never try to Steer Away and Avoid Deer
Don’t try to steer around deer if driving towards one on the roadway at night. They follow lights and may just move in front of your vehicle. Break gradually, and stop and wait for the animal to leave the road before continuing on your way
6. Don’t Drive with Interior Lights On
The interior map lights in most cars are not focused and cast light throughout the vehicle. When it’s dark outside, glare from these internal lights can compromise your vision and make driving difficult. Drivers should politely ask passengers not to use them if possible.
7. Keep Headlights Clean
Dirty headlights can’t shine as brightly if the light is blocked by dirt and road grime. Older cars’ headlights are also at risk to yellow and fade over the years. To really brighten up those bulbs, consider trying out a headlight polish kit.
If you or a loved one have ever been the victim of an accident day or night please call one of our attorneys at 843-720-3737