Daylight saving time has ended for the year, which means the sun is setting earlier and many drivers are spending more time on the road after dark. Reduced visibility, glare from headlights and increased wildlife activity can all make nighttime driving more dangerous.
Here are several ways to help stay safe while driving in the dark.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Ready
Before driving at night, make sure your headlights, taillights and brake lights are all working properly. Headlights should also be aimed correctly so they provide adequate visibility without creating unnecessary glare for other drivers.
Keep your windshield clean inside and out as well. Dirt, fog, cracks and other damage can scatter light from streetlights and headlights, making it harder to see clearly.
Slow Down
Driving at a safe speed is especially important at night because your visibility is limited.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding plays a significant role in nighttime traffic fatalities. Driving more slowly gives you additional time to react to pedestrians, stopped vehicles, animals and other hazards that may be difficult to see until you are close to them.
You should always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.
Use High Beams When Appropriate
High beams can improve visibility on dark, rural or poorly lit roads, but they should only be used when appropriate.
Remember to dim your high beams when approaching an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle closely. Bright headlights can temporarily impair another driver’s vision and increase the risk of a crash.
Dim Your Interior Lights
Bright dashboard displays, navigation screens and other interior lighting can make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the darkness outside.
If possible, dim your dashboard and infotainment screens while driving at night. Reducing unnecessary light inside your vehicle can make it easier to see the road and surrounding traffic.
Avoid Staring at Oncoming Headlights
While you should always keep your attention on the road, avoid staring directly at the headlights of approaching vehicles. Bright headlights can cause glare and temporarily affect your vision.
Instead, use lane markings or the right edge of the roadway as a guide until the vehicle passes, then return your focus farther down the road.
Watch for Deer and Other Wildlife
Deer-related crashes are especially common during the fall and early winter, particularly around dawn and dusk.
High beams may help you spot the reflective eyes of an animal sooner when there is no approaching traffic. If you see a deer or other animal in or near the road, reduce your speed and brake in a controlled manner.
Avoid suddenly swerving whenever possible. Swerving can cause you to lose control, enter another lane or collide with another vehicle or roadside object.
Take Extra Precautions After Dark
Nighttime driving requires additional attention and preparation. Maintaining your vehicle, reducing your speed, limiting distractions and remaining alert for pedestrians and wildlife can all help lower your risk of a serious crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hupy and Abraham are here to help. Call 1-800-800-5678 or visit Hupy.com today for a free case evaluation.
