Check out these dos and don'ts on driving after an accident. Even a split-second decision on the road can be the difference between a life and death situation. B: You can drive with only your parking lights on, if you are in an area with good street lights. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Regardless of the law, it's dangerous. Auto-parts stores carry headlight-restoration kits that work relatively well. Online DMV Exam 3.3 (27 reviews) When you are driving on a multi-lane road, if another vehicle moves into your lane right in front of you, cutting you off, you should Click the card to flip Stay calm. 4 Ways to Stay Awake when Driving - wikiHow It's not always obvious how to dim these screensmany have a night modeso check your owner's manual if you're having trouble lowering your screen's light output. of traffic deaths in the US occurred between 6 PM and 6 AM. is maintaining alertness at all times. Sit up straight and go on the defensive by giving way to other drivers, keeping an eye on the weather, and reducing distractions like cell phones. If you hit a deer, pull over to the side of the road and call the police. While you dont have to be on edge (this can stress you out! How to Stay Safe While Driving at Night: 5 Critical Tips DefensiveDriving.org may receive compensation from the links you click on this site. Your high beams can help you spot an animals glowing eyes. Leave plenty of room to avoid collision. As such, night driving requires even more careful adherence to. This discoloration is caused by long-term sunlight damage to the headlamp's plastic coating, so it's rarely seen on newer vehicles. Please see full details in our advertising disclosure. For instance, defensive drivers can spot hazards like impaired drivers faster. If your windshield is streaked and dirty, it can impair visibility in the daytime. It is estimated by the National Safety Council in the U.S. that traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day. Multiple factors can play a role in drowsy driving: Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep is a leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness, which can induce microsleeps or other dangerous driving behavior. However, there are larger, more deadly and dangerous animals, like deer, elk, and moose, that . Night vision declines in older people, so it does become less safe for them to drive at night. These tiny particles can make light scatter, further intensifying the effects of glare. Slow down if necessary to avoid a crash, gently drop back to a safe following distance. Pick up an energy boost by ordering a coffee, walking around in the bright lights of a service station, or doing a few star-jumps in the parking lot. . Whats even worse is that drowsy driving kills hundreds of people each year. 8 Safety Tips for Night Driving That Can Save Your Life - GoodCar Additionally, it's important to note that in many jurisdictions, driving without your headlights on in the evening or morning can be against the law. It can cause drivers to slow down unexpectedly, take their eyes off the road, or drift out of the lane. An accident is the most obvious culprit, and even a minor one can tweak the headlamps enough to affect where the light is aimed. This should go without saying because it seems obvious, but let's point it out for the record. I drive with my visor down at night. Why do people use their driving/fog lights all the time? When you are driving at night A: You must not drive with only your parking lights on, in place of headlights. If youre in the market for a new car, Rader recommends looking for adaptive lighting systems that automatically adjust your high beams depending on the presence of other cars. If you do buy a specialty pair of glasses, keep them in your car so that they'll be available to you whenever you go driving. Question When driving at night, you should: Answers Always use your high beams. Dont wait until you are nodding off at the wheel, look for early signs. For instance, in California, headlights must be on from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise (and during any other low-visibility conditions). You also won't be as close to the headlights of oncoming traffic these can make seeing the road difficult. Off-gassing within a car also creates an oily film on the windshields interior side. They can also make it extremely challenging to see pedestrians or objects that are dimly lit. Most states also prohibit their use within 200 to 300 feet of another vehicle in front. Impaired driving causes one in every three traffic deaths. I agree with the driving tips. Be aware of driver fatigue. That low level of illumination seriously compromises how far ahead you can see on a dark road or poorly lit street. Crossing road lines. One reason behind the precarious nature of night driving is the change in how the eyes work in the dark. High beams are underutilized, says Rader, but can be very helpful in rural areas or on open roads. This is the type of glare that's most dangerous, since it can actually block an object down the road from a driver's view. Introduction Road authorities agree that night driving presents unique challenges, increased risks and numerous deaths and injuries. In these cases, the bright light of the high-beams can distract other drivers, making it harder for them to drive safely. Add an answer or comment As you can see, there are plenty of ways to drive more safely, even in low-light conditions. If the plastic headlight lenses are yellowed to the point where it's hard to see the bulbs, it's time to either restore or replace the headlamps. Last Updated: February 5, 2023 12 Safety Tips For Driving At Night | GEICO Living Your high-beam headlights can make things easier to see and illuminate the road surface farther ahead than your regular headlights. Take our free sample driving test -- no registration required! 1. If you're rounding a corner or going over a hilltop and you start to see the faint glow of another car's headlights from around the bend, turn your high-beams off in advance so that the other driver isn't suddenly blinded. Give it a once-over if necessary before setting off; it'll make your nighttime journey less stressful. Comments There are no comments. About 90% of drivers would react to a road obstruction within that distance within 2.5 seconds. It's also important to show some love to your headlights. As night slowly begins to fall over a city's streets and highways, there is almost always an hour or two during which some cars will have their headlights on and others will not. This way, youll learn from a professional instructor in a supervised environment. Do not drive when you are tired. Interested in learning more about accredited driving courses near you? Be Extra Defensive Drinking and driving poses a bigger risk after dark, according to NHTSA, which has found that the rate of fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment is almost four times higher at night than during the day. If you have plans of drinking, dont slip behind the wheel anymore. The dark can also compromise the eyes depth perception and peripheral vision. The Funny Guy explained why 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. is the worst time for young drivers to get into accidents Credit: Instagram/thefunny_guy2. Be careful when you switch your high beam headlights on, though, as theyre so bright they can be blinding. The bright light of an infotainment screen can make it much harder to see the road. Also, and this may sound funny, but be sure to blink regularly. Driving at Night - National Safety Council 8. The last thing you want is to look straight into bright lights. I'm a driving instructor - young drivers are likely to crash at a While it's usually difficult or impossible to see an animal's body before it comes into the range of your headlights, you can often see the light reflected in its eyes from much farther away. Worse night vision equals lessened safety during nighttime driving. Before Driving. Approved. The care and caution that you use while driving during the day must be multiplied when driving at night. Get a hint. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 315,578 times. Either get parked by about 5:00 p.m. at a truck stop or try to push on to the customer's location to spend the night. And make sure to use your headlights to stay visible; not only do you need to turn them on when its dark, but you should turn them on in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow and hail. Why is city driving more difficult than driving in other environments? Dirty windshields are also more prone to fogging both on the internal and external sides. Drivers are required to use their headlights when driving in the dark. People can also develop night blindness as they get older. Never be in the dark when it comes to your auto insurance. ), defensive driving keeps you vigilant. Ibrahim Onerli. Don't believe the urban legend that sunglasses with yellow or bright orange tinted lenses help you see better at night. Added 15 days ago|6/19/2023 2:12:47 PM This answer has been confirmed as correct and helpful. These are excellent rules. Today I can. It instills in you a constant reminder that other motorists may not be as safe and prudent as you are. Is it safe for people who are over the age of 70 to drive at night? Then please feel free to check out our extensive directory of driving schools! You can also read our unbiased reviews to learn more about these institutions. It is important to know your limits and admit when you have had enough. Since every car is different, if you want to do this, be sure to follow the instructions in your car's owner's manual. Whats even worse is that. To drive at night, make sure your headlights are on so you can see clearly and other drivers can see you. Add 1 second for every "negative condition", like driving at night or feeling a bit tired, and 2 seconds for poor weather, like rain or snow. Driving at Night - Driving Safety Tips - Popular Mechanics Some drivers have reported other activities that can help: turning the radio on (not too loudly); rolling down the windows periodically for fresh air; and talking or singing to yourself. Drowsy Driving: Dangers and How To Avoid It | Sleep Foundation document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); When driving at night is your reaction distance and stopping distance the same or not. In perfect conditions, you should leave 3 seconds between you and the car in front of you. Though glasses with colored lenses can make things seem to appear brighter, their tint actually blocks light in certain situations. You can also take frequent breaks by pulling over into a safe area of the road. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Drowsy driving and sleepiness is another critical risk of night driving. If you have a big drive coming up, try to slip away for a short twenty minute nap before getting on the road. You are more likely to encounter a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at night time. , especially if driving on a highway at night. When to Dim Your Headlights While Driving At Night - MyCarVoice B. more people ignore traffic laws in cities than in other locations. 3. If you can't see more than 100 feet ahead of you then it's a good idea to dim your headlights. This article received 11 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Low light can be incredibly challenging for older drivers. By using our site, you agree to our. This task can also be handled by a shop or the dealer. Speeding is dangerous enough even in the daytime, but it becomes more dangerous at night. High beams let you see 350 to 400 feet of the road ahead, giving you more time to react promptly to obstructions. Avoid two-lane highways when driving at night if you can. Increase your following distance. drive at night without much problem, which I used to have before. Luckily, there's no reason that night driving has to be unsafe with a few simple precautionary measures, you can drive safely, keep your visibility high, and even enjoy the unique experience of an immersive night drive! It can help heighten your senses so you can better anticipate events around you. This also shortens the time you have to react to avoid road obstructions. How to Stay Awake While Driving: Tips, Dangers, Other Options - Healthline This makes it harder to distinguish objects, and shadows further compound the issue. .css-dhtls0{display:block;font-family:GlikoS,Georgia,Times,Serif;font-weight:400;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-dhtls0:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 61.25rem){.css-dhtls0{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.2;}}The Safest New Cars for 2023, Report: Tesla Autopilot Implicated in 736 Crashes, NHTSA Moves Too Slowly When Cars Have a Problem, Automated Emergency Braking Could Become the Law, IIHS: Small Cars Don't Protect Rear Occupants Well, The 5 Most Watched IIHS Crash Tests of 2022, Side Impacts Troublesome for Small Cars, IIHS Says, Finally, There's a Decent Female Crash Test Dummy, You're More Likely to Hit a Deer This Week, Drivers Too Trusting of Autonomous Tech, IIHS Says, AAA: Cars' Automated Emergency Braking Is Flawed. In her spare time, shes an avid reader of books. The reflective water particles that make up fog can shine the bright light back at you, obscuring your vision of the road more than if you had used no lights at all. The good news is that HID and LED headlamps are not that much worse than halogen headlights when it comes to the second type of glare, called disability glare. What counts as night driving hours? - Jerry Keep your mind engaged by singing, talking aloud, or listening to audiobooks and podcasts. involved drowsy drivers. Even less than an hour of sleep can provide the rest you'll need to stay alert driving. Getting behind the wheel again after being in an accident can be nerve wracking. Easy explanations for coverages, pricing, & more. According to researchers, the majority (. Tips For Driving At Night | Life Lanes - Progressive ", http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section2.1.9.shtml, http://www.driversedguru.com/drivers-ed-training-exercises/stage-3/stage-3-night-driving/, http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/31/jan-1-is-worst-day-for-drunken-driving-analysis-shows/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0, http://www.optalert.com/news/driver-fatigue-symptoms-cause-and-effects, http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/10-safety-tips-for-driving-after-dark#slide-5, http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/10-safety-tips-for-driving-after-dark#slide-2, http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/10-safety-tips-for-driving-after-dark#slide-11, http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/10-safety-tips-for-driving-after-dark#slide-4. These five steps could help protect your car from being stolen by a car thief. The difference between driving at nighttime and during the day is visibility. Chapter 9. According to researchers, the majority (over 99%) of accidents are preventable. While you should always keep your eyes on the road, avoid a fixed gaze and never stare at oncoming headlights, says Epstein. It is common for drivers to experience blurred vision when driving at night. The Funny Guy (@thefunny_guy2) calls himself a "super passionate driver education teacher" to his over 350,000 TikTok followers."Unveiling the truth: the most dangerous time for young drivers," the TikTok caption reads. Increase distance between cars: Keep a good distance between you and the car in . But if they tilt too high, they can blind oncoming drivers. Thanks. If you begin to become sleepy while driving at night, immediately make arrangements for someone else to take the wheel. Block out distractions while driving, but don't focus solely on the road. If you feel yourself getting drowsy, pull over at a rest stop and try to get some sleep. Email(Your email address will not be published). When Driving at Night You Should _____: Tips for Driving Safely at Night Add 1 second for every negative condition, like driving at night or feeling a bit tired, and 2 seconds for poor weather, like rain or snow. Dirty or damaged windshields can scatter light and potentially increase the effects of glare, according to NHTSA. Download GEICO Mobile today. (Of course, like every other product, you can find them online.) Sometimes even the best-planned road trips will require some long stretches of night driving. Weve got some great tips for driving at night to get you energized and ready for the journey ahead. ", "Learning to drive, and love wikiHow's step-by-step instructions and clarity on issues!". By Warren Clarke Published: Jul 2, 2019 Getty Images. To learn how this content was created please read our Editorial Guidelines. Never drive without a legal drivers' license registered in your name. This does not impact our reviews which remain our personal opinions and unbiased regardless of advertising you may see. Instead, use a newspaper or microfiber towel. The usefulness of that quick reaction still depends on how fast youre going, though. Drive safely by leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. In many cases, speeding involves going beyond the maximum speed limit. In 2019, more than half of traffic deaths in the US occurred between 6 PM and 6 AM. These factors make driving at night a challenge, leading to a higher risk of serious accidents. If unpleasantly bright headlights are bearing down on you, slow down a bit and maintain a safe position in your lane by keeping your gaze on the lane markers or even the edge of the road until the vehicle passes. Alcohol can lead to slower reflexes, so you might find it harder to make swift decisions. In rural areas or roads with few street lights, you might need to use your vehicles high beams to see the road clearly. Read on to discover the top night driving tips to keep yourself and other road users safe, even when its dark. A brief twenty minute sleep can help you recharge before driving. Stick to the highway: Main highways with more than two lanes are much safer when driving at night, as you'll have more space if you need to swerve. But you may not realize that cloudy headlights can also pose a significant safety issue. Luckily, there are some things you can do to improve your safety when driving at night. Some states annual inspection tests include checking the headlight anglebut otherwise, take the initiative to make sure yours are pointed correctly. You might notice it more when you're driving. However, it also includes driving too fast for road conditions, such as at night. This will enable you to regain full down-the-road vision sooner. Allow other drivers to pass you as needed. Find a quiet area where you can safely park and not be disturbed by noise or other people. Your safety behind the wheel may depend on it. Score 1 User: When approaching a bicyclist from the rear, you should slow down and If there aren't any rest stops nearby, stop at a gas station and grab some coffee and food to wake you up. Don't be afraid to go slower than the posted speed limit if you can't see very far in front of you, especially if you're rounding a corner or going over a hilltop, where your visibility is further obscured. That goes for night driving, too, as there are many ways to reduce your risks of nighttime crashes. Speeding-related crashes account for 37 percent of nighttime-driving fatalities, says NHTSAcompared with 21 percent of those during daylight hoursdue to lower visibility and shorter reaction times. Worse, these incidents claimed the lives of over 42,000 individuals. Loss of control can make your vehicle swerve or even rollover. A warm car on a dark night on a quiet road sends signals to your brain that it is time to go to sleep. However, you can kickstart things by enrolling in a. . Its not just paranoia: Driving at night is actually more dangerous. One of the biggest side effects of dehydration is fatigue, so drink plenty of water to keep energy levels up without the crash that can come from sugary drinks. Help yourself stay awake by keeping the inside of the car cool and putting on some interesting podcasts. According to the National Safety Council, A 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year-old. This makes it harder to distinguish objects, and shadows further compound the issue. ZILLERATE Night Driving Glasses Anti Glare HD Night Vision Glasses for Driving, TAC Polarized Lens, Yellow Tinted Sunglasses, Glare Reducing Nighttime Driving Glasses for Men & Women 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 2,566 ratings Use defensive driving techniques and keep an eye out for signs of drunk driving, especially after dark. Driving at night increases the likelihood of getting into an accident, but most night-time crashes are preventable. Because your reaction time is slower than it is in daylight, a lower speed is prudent when driving at night. Share. A low light condition can make it difficult to notice road signs and lane markings or to notice when you have crested a hill or are approaching a sharp bend. According to the NHTSA, headlights produce two kinds of glare called discomfort glare and disability glare. 2 7. Explanation Increase your following distance when it is difficult to see due to darkness. Despite the fact that the majority of driving is done during the day, about 40-50% of accidents occur at night. Just remember to dim them when youre within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle (so you dont temporarily blind the other driver), and dont use them if youre following another vehicle. This way, youll learn from a professional instructor in a supervised environment. Increase your following distance. Dirt and debris on your windshield are distractions and obstructions themselves. Have dim lights inspected and readjusted, too. For tips on improving your visibility while you're driving at night, scroll down! This is doubly important now that many newer vehicles come with large, brightly lit infotainment screens. Give yourself more time to identify and react to obstacles and road conditions by driving more slowly. Defensive driving is something you usually master over the years with more practice. Adjust your speed to take conditions like visibility into account, says Russ Rader of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Many modern automobiles have auto-dimming mirrors. Intoxicating substances magnify impaired night driving conditions. The relatively quiet, calm atmosphere of most night driving and the uniformity of dark or pitch-black surroundings can combine to put night drivers into a dangerous trance-like state. If you use prescription glasses, be sure to wear only clear lenses at night. Get your vision checked every year, suggests the NSC; glare becomes more problematic for people as they age. Like drunk driving, drowsy driving can impair your ability to think clearly, reaction times, and driving performance. If you can, take a safer route at night. In many cases, speeding involves going beyond the maximum speed limit. If possible, memorize their license plate number and call the police and report them when you can safely do so. Always stay alert and vigilant your life and the lives of other motorists may depend on it. The angle of the lamp itself is also a factor. ). One of the common causes of accidents in low light conditions is a driver who hasn't turned on their lights because they can still see just fine. Wearing them at night may make objects seem brighter. Driving under the influence is one of the deadliest. In addition, for top visibility, you'll want to keep your windshield, windows, and mirror as clear and clean as you can.
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