There is no question about it – it is safer to drive during the day than it is at night. From fatigue to lower visibility, there are several reasons that it is unsafe to drive at night – including the fact that drunk driving accidents are more common. However, if you do need to drive at night, there are a few steps you can take to stay as safe as possible.
Slow Down
The most important thing you can do is to slow down. Remember that your ability to judge distance can be impaired at night, as can your ability to react quickly. This is due to both fatigue and to reduced visibility. Slowing down is the best way to both avoid a car accident and, if you are involved in an accident, to prevent catastrophic injuries. If it is raining or the roads are slick then you should slow down even further.
Do What You Can to Maximize Your Visibility at Night
Clean your windshield because dirty windshields have worse glare from headlights during the night. Keep the windshield cleaner topped off and if the fluid isn’t working, get it fixed immediately. The moment you notice any deterioration of your windshield wipers, replace them. Clean the inside of your windshield periodically as well. If your headlights are dirty, they can both increase the glare for other drivers and reduce your visibility.
Look for Reflections
Even if your windshield and headlights are 100% clean, it is still hard to see animals on the road – and large animals can both do serious damage and cause injuries. Scan the sides of the road ahead of you and be on the lookout for light reflected from animal’s eyes. Deer in particular generally travel in groups so if you see one, you should assume there are nearby.
Use High Beams When Safe to Do So
High beams give you much better visibility at night. Some people chose not to use them because they do not want to have to switch back and forth from low to high. The fact is that your visibility will absolutely improve enough to be worth the inconvenience of switching.
Do Not Stare at the Headlights Coming at You
When a person is fatigued, they are more likely to become transfixed on headlights coming at them. Even when they know they should not do it. Avoid this habit. Instead, look down at to the right when another vehicle is approaching. Use the lane markings to ensure your car stays in your lane while you are looking down.
Of course, nothing can prevent 100% of accidents. If you are involved in a car accident then we hope you will contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We can be reached any day of the week and are ready to help you through this difficult time.
