Nighttime drives are often a pleasant way to wind down from the day. However, driving at night can also be dangerous, especially when compared to driving in the daylight. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make driving at night safer for you, your passengers, and other motorists. Keep reading to learn our tips for driving safely at night.
1. Slow Down
Most of us want to get to our destination as quickly as possible, especially when driving home from a night shift at work. However, getting home a few minutes early isn’t worth an accident. Our advice is to slow down and abide by the speed limit, even if that means missing a few extra minutes of relaxation time.
2. Stay Alert
No matter what time of day you drive, staying alert is essential. But when the sun goes down, it’s even more important to watch for other cars and pedestrians. If you live in a rural or suburban area, make sure to stay vigilant for animals that might dart out across the road. If you feel yourself start to get drowsy and can no longer stay alert, find a safe place to pull over and rest for a while.
3. Clean Up
If you plan to drive at night, be extra sure that your windshield and side mirrors are clean. Windows that are streaky or smeared with dirt can obstruct your vision, especially when bright headlights are driving toward you.
4. Turn on the Lights
Don’t forget about your high beams! If you’re driving on a dark road late at night and there’s no oncoming traffic, utilize your brights. However, make sure you’re also following tip #1, and stay alert for cars coming toward you. You don’t want to be responsible for obstructing another motorist’s vision! It’s also a good idea to regularly check all the lights on your car, so you don’t wind up in the dark with a burnt-out headlight.
5. Choose Your Route Wisely
During the day, it’s tempting to take the scenic route. But when you’re driving at night, it’s usually best to choose the fastest way home. If you can, take streets that have better lighting and fewer curves. Avoiding two-lane roads is also a good option (if it’s possible where you live) since glare from oncoming cars tends to be worse on these streets.
