Driving at night can be very dangerous. The National Safety Council reports that traffic deaths are three times greater at night. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are all decreased after sundown. Safe night driving habits can keep you and those around you protected.
Table of Contents
Why is Night Driving Dangerous?
- Limited light
In low light or complete darkness, you can’t see well — even with headlights.
- Limited vision
If you can’t see, you can’t drive well. The darkness of night makes seeing obstacles and other cars and people more difficult.
- Glaring headlights from other cars
These lights can blind you temporarily if you look straight into them.
- Tunnel vision
Peripheral vision is decreased at night, meaning you have less time to react when obstacles appear on the side of the road, or animals or people try to cross.
- Dirty windshields
Dirty windshields can be impossible to see through at nighttime.
Tips for Safe Night Driving
- Slow Down
- Your reaction time is decreased at night. Do not risk crashing into something you cannot see. Slow down and be ready to react to obstacles.
- Headlights
- Keep your headlights on. Do not use your brights unless there is no else on the road with you. These lights can blind oncoming drivers and cause accidents.
- Do not look directly at headlights when you are driving at night- look to the right side until the car passes.
- Windshield
- Check your windshield and make sure it’s totally clean. Even a windshield that appears clean during the day may be hard to see through at night.
- Use your windshield wiper fluid when necessary.
- Decrease light in your car
- Dim your panel and dashboard lights so that they are not glaring into your eyes. You will see the road more clearly without this distraction.
- Look for animals
- Animals’ eyes will reflect the glare of your headlights. If you see an animal or the reflection of their eyes, slow down immediately. Collisions with animals can cause serious damage and injury.
Always remember to use caution and drive defensively, at night and in the daytime.
If you are injured in a car accident, despite using these safe night driving tips, you may have a case for damages. Our car accident attorneys at Christensen & Hymas regularly win large settlements for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Photo copyright to Peter Kaminski