Did you know that twelve percent of all motorists between the ages of 15 and 20 are involved in vehicular accidents?
All drivers know they should drive more cautiously at night, but it can be difficult to control the anxiety that sets in after the sun goes down.
To increase the safety of driving at night, it’s crucial for drivers to pay attention to their surroundings. To help get used to driving in the dark, you need to learn a few tricks.
Keep reading to find out the top tips to help you drive safer after dark.
1. Use Your Headlights
When driving after dark, you should use your headlights to see and be seen. Headlights help you see the road ahead and communicate your presence to other drivers.
Be sure to use your low-beam headlights when driving at night. High-beam headlights can blind other drivers and make it difficult for them to see the road, so you should only use them when there is no oncoming traffic. If you are approaching or being approached by another vehicle, you should dim your headlights.
Make sure your headlights are normally aligned. This will help you see the road better and make it easier for other drivers to see you. Also, keep your headlights clean because dirt and grime can dim your headlights and make them less effective.
Finally, use your headlights in conjunction with your taillights. This will help make your car more visible to other drivers and can help prevent accidents.
2. Avoid Distractions
If you’re driving after dark, be extra cautious and avoid distractions. Make sure not to use your cell phone or other electronic devices and put them out of reach before you start driving. If you will use the phone, use hands-free mode.
Avoid looking at other passengers or objects in the car. If you need to get something in the car, you must pull over to a safe area first to get it. If you’re distracted, you could miss something important or get into an accident.
To stay safe on the road, you must keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
3. Drive Defensively at Night
Driving defensively means being aware of other drivers and their possible intentions. If someone is tailgating you or driving erratically, give them more space, and don’t hesitate to call the police if necessary.
Also, pay attention to the road and you can prepare to stop or take evasive action if necessary. If you see a driver who may be impaired by alcohol or drugs, be extra cautious and give them a wide berth.
Lastly, you must pay attention to your speed and be sure to leave plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you. It takes longer to stop or react to hazards at night, so give yourself more time and space.
4. Don’t Drive If You’re Tired
You may think you’re fine to drive, but if you’re even a little tired, you’re at a higher risk of getting into an accident. It’s also easy to become tired after a long day, which leads to drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so it’s essential to be cautious when driving at night.
If you’re tired, it’s best to pull over and rest. If you must drive, pay attention to your surroundings and take breaks often. You can drink coffee or energy drinks can help keep you awake.
It’s not worth risking an accident just to make it to your destination a few minutes sooner.
5. Never Drink and Drive
It is a proven fact that drinking and driving is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-related crashes account for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States. That is why it is so important not to drink and drive.
Alcohol slows down your reflexes and makes it difficult to focus on the task of driving, increasing your chances of getting into an accident. If you’re going to be drinking, have a designated driver or take a cab or Uber who can get you home safely. Not only will you be keeping yourself safe, but you will also keep other innocent people on the road safe.
Pay Attention to These Safety Tips
As the days get shorter, it’s important to take extra care when driving at night. Make sure you have good headlights and taillights and that they’re clean. Also, avoid distractions, drive defensively, don’t drive if you’re tired, and never drive drunk. Following these simple tips, you can help make sure you and your loved ones arrive safe and sound.
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