Driving at night or at dusk can be extremely challenging and dangerous too due to low visibility. Low visibility directly affects colour recognition and depth perception and this in turn causes car accident. It is a well-established fact that road accidents are three times greater at night than during daytime. However, there are several ways to effectively reduce the risks of night driving.
Below are some tips that can
improve your safety in the dark for both drivers and pedestrians.
1. First tip is to prepare your car for driving at night. Clean the
signal lights, headlights, and taillights once a week. While driving, turn them
on 1 hour before sunset and keep them on 1 hour after sunrise for maximum
visibility.
2. Refrain from flashing your high beams at a vehicle
that has their high beams on; this will lessen their visibility and is much
more likely to cause an accident.
3. Make sure that all the exterior lights of your car are
in proper working order so that others can see you clearly.
4. Don’t stare directly at the oncoming headlights as it
will further impair your night vision, even after the vehicle has gone.
5. Keep all interior lights off. Any kind of light inside
the car will seem very bright and will make it more difficult to see.
6. Adjust your side or rear-view mirror to avoid the
glare of headlights from a vehicle following you.
7. Also keep the windshield and windows of your car clean
as dust deposited on them can cause glare that further decreases visibility.
8. Driving at night is more exhausting than day driving. So, make
sure that there is proper ventilation inside the car and you also take regular
breaks in between in the case of a long ride.
9. Don’t drink and drive. Not only does alcohol harshly
impair your driving ability, but it also acts as a depressant. You should also
avoid smoking when you drive because Smoke’s nicotine and carbon
monoxide hampers night vision.
10. Ensure to lock doors and roll up windows of your car.
Do not talk or allow strangers ride with you because most cases of crime
occur at night.
11. Keep your car in tip-top condition for maximum safety.
Regularly check tire pressure, fluid levels and brake pads.
By following these tips, you
can defend yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road after the
sun goes down.
Have a safe trip!
