No matter how long you’ve been driving, hitting the road at night definitely increases your risk of being involved in an accident. You can do everything right, follow all the safety rules and traffic laws, but still end up in a dangerous situation. And many factors contribute to the dangerous driving conditions at night. So, what can you do to help protect yourself and others on the road at night? In addition to investing in a comprehensive auto insurance policy, there are a few important safety steps you should take whenever you drive after dark. Keep reading to learn more.
Why is Nighttime Driving So Dangerous?
Fatigue, impaired rivers, comprised night vision and rush hour traffic are all big reasons why driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the daytime hours. In fact, according to National Safety Council research, the risk of being involved in a fatal collision is three times greater at night. And while drivers of any age or experience level are at risk of a traffic incident at night, seniors face a substantially increased risk. This is because they are more likely to experience sensitivity to the contrast between bright lights and the darkness of their surroundings.
How Can Drivers Minimize the Risks of Driving at Night?
Unable to avoid driving at night? Luckily, there are a few different precautions that you can take to help minimize the many challenges of nighttime driving, including:
Protecting Your Eyes from Glare
Similar to prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays, headlights can temporarily distort your vision and make it difficult to see the road clearly at night. And over time, exposure to glare can result in eyestrain and drowsiness. To combat these issues, it’s important to avoid driving at night if you’re already tired. Additionally, you can focus on looking at the center of the roadway and rely on the painted edge of the road lines to help guide your path in the dark.
Avoid Blinding High Beam Headlights
On any given night, you’re bound to pass more than a few oncoming drivers who forget to dim their high beams as they approach your vehicle. To avoid being temporarily blinded by their bright headlights, you can instead glance down towards the right side of the road as they pass. This allows you to follow the edge of your lane still and stay safely on course until the roadway is properly lit again.
Properly Adjust Your Speed
Take special care not to “overdrive” your own headlights. This means that you’ll need to adjust your speed so that you don’t outpace the reach of your headlights. If you are going too fast, you greatly reduce your chance of being able to yield or stop for an obstacle in the roadway properly.
Adjust Your Mirrors
You can also reduce glare by adjusting your side mirrors slightly. This will not only help to prevent blinding glare but can also reduce potentially dangerous blind spots as well. Start from a sitting position in the driver’s seat and lean to the left, tilting your head until it rests comfortably on the window. From this position, adjust your driver’s side mirror so that you can just see the left rear corner of your vehicle.
Take Control of Your Safety on the Road
By following a few simple safety tips, you can better protect yourself against the threat of an accident while driving at night. Additionally, a comprehensive auto insurance policy can add an extra layer of protection for drivers of all ages and skill levels. Contact our friendly North Prairie team at Wolfgram Insurance Agency today for more information and be sure to request a free quote.
