Generally speaking, driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day. S-some of this added risk has to do with drunk driving, which is more common after dinner and after dark. You can’t change that, but are there some other things you can do to lower the risks and make night driving safer?
There are. Here are a few easy steps to take when staying off the road after dark just is not an option for you:
- Slow down. Things may take you by surprise and the limited visibility means you do not have as much stopping time. Slowing down gives you more time and helps you avoid accidents.
- Check your lights. Clean them if needed. Aim them properly if you’ve never adjusted them. Make sure your car is ready for those dark drives.
- Try to reduce glare and protect your own night vision. Two things you can do are to avoid looking right at oncoming lights and dimming your own interior dash lights.
- Keep your windshield clean. You can’t see streaks much during the day, but they really catch the glare at night.
- Invest in a pair of anti-reflective glasses. They help your vision, and they’re much cheaper than getting into an accident.
- Leave more distance between cars at night and try not to ride side by side with other cars on multi-lane roads. All of this gives you more time and space to react if something occurs.
- If it is raining at night slow down even more and leave even more distance. Lines on the road are harder to see with rain and the surfaces are much more slippery.
Naturally, while doing all of this can make you safer than you would be otherwise, you never know for sure that you won’t get into an accident. If you are injured in a crash that is caused by another driver, be sure you are aware of your legal options and rights to seek financial compensation.