Safety tips for driving at night

Driving in itself is a risky affair and requires a lot of concentration at any given time. At night in particular, drivers need to be extremely careful and even slight miscalculation can lead to human errors which in turn can turn fatal. More than anything else, a driver must be aware of the fact that mistakes can happen on either side but accidents on both.

However, with certain precautions, visibility, drivability and safety can be substantially improved while driving at night. The most commonly used procedures involve using the features provided within the vehicle itself such as seatbelts.

1. Headlights should be turned on before twilight itself and fog lamps in misty weather. High beams should be avoided on highways just as flashing the headlights to oncoming vehicles because it blinds oncoming drivers. Exterior lights should be used generously so as to make the vehicle clearly visible to others.

2. Glare is a very predominant problem with night drivers and it should be avoided as it can be through dimming of dashboard lights and using the day-night switch of the rear-view mirror. Glare can also be avoided using an anti-glare coating on the windshield or simply by keeping the windshield and windows clean. Exterior rear view mirrors are also helpful in avoiding glare from headlights of other vehicles.

3. Anti-reflective glasses are recommended for drivers since they provide superior night vision and day vision alike.

4. Before starting out on a night journey, drivers must also be sure that their vehicles are fully functional, that they have all the necessary accessories to repair minor problems (such as punctures) and that they have enough fuel to last their journey. Headlights should also be preferably aligned to ensure that they provide maximum brightness

Since accidents are mostly the result of human errors, several precautions must be observed by the driver too

5. One should have his correctness of vision checked before attempting to drive at night. Opticians recommend that drivers of and above the age 40 should have their vision checked annually.

6. The driver should concentrate on the road at all times and be on the lookout for vehicles and pedestrians alike. Observing flashes on hill tops or corners can be used to make out any oncoming vehicles. Talking on cell phones, eating, drinking and all other activities should be done with the vehicle parked safely.

7. As a standard method, one should increase one’s following distance at night and regulate the vehicle’s speed to a moderate one.

8. Driving under drunk or intoxicated condition is illegal and should be avoided strictly. Human reflexes are greatly reduced in such conditions and the chances of meeting with an accident are maximum.

9. Fatigue and strain tends to slow down a driver’s vital reflexes substantially. Hence if one is tired, he should avoid driving at all costs or take a rest before continuing.