Driving at Night

The National Safety Council reports that the rate of fatal crashes is three times greater at nighttime than during the daytime. It is difficult to see warning signs and pavement markings at night, and to judge distance and speed as well. In addition, many unsafe drivers are out on the road at night.

• Nighttime visibility is important, so make sure you clean your car windows, mirrors, and lights at least once a week.
• Do not drive after you have consumed alcohol. You are more likely to get in a car accident if you are driving while under the influence of alcohol than if you are sober. Alcohol may cause tiredness and also adversely affect your judgment about distance and speed.
• Turn on your headlights in early twilight in order to both see and be seen.
• Keep your headlights on between sunset and sunrise. Use low-beam lights, which help you to see what is in front of you and for other drivers to see you. Use high-beam lights when traffic is minimal. Don’t ever have your lights on high beam when you are within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle. When you are behind another vehicle by a distance of 200 feet or less, you should switch to low beam lights
• Keep a longer distance between you and the driver ahead of you at nighttime to help ensure you have time to stop.
• Smoking when you drive will affect visibility, particularly at night.
• Drive at a speed so that you can stop within the distance illuminated by your head lights.
• Carry an emergency kit with reflectors or flares and a flashlight.
• Pull off the road – preferably the right side – if you have car trouble.
• Take breaks if you are tired and naps of 20-30 minutes can help curb your fatigue.
• If oncoming headlights are directed at you, you can avoid a glare by looking toward the right side of the road and observing the white line marking the outside edge of the traffic lane. If the glare is coming from behind you, you can adjust your car mirror to diminish the glare.
• When you park after dark, do so in a well-lit place. If you need to park at daylight but will be returning to move your car after dark, choose a place that will be well-lit.