Safety Tips for Driving at Night

Fall and Winter bring longer nights, therefore, here are some safety tips recommended for driving at night from the National Safety Council:

• Prepare your car for night driving: Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights, mirror faces and windows once a week. Windows should be cleaned on the inside and outside.
• Have your headlights properly aimed: Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
• Turn your headlights on: If there is any doubt, turn your headlights on. Lights will make it easier for other drivers to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing. Daylight running lights are only 60% power. At night, you need the full strength of the headlights as well as the tail and marker lights.
• Reduce your speed: Reducing your speed and increasing your following distances improves safety.
• When following another vehicle, keep your headlights on low beam: Low beams reduce the risk of blinding the driver ahead of you.
• Avoid glare from oncoming headlights: Watch the right edge of the road and use it as a steering guide.
• Make frequent stops: Frequent stops for light snacks and exercise can keep you alert.
• If you have car trouble, pull as far off the road as possible: Turning on flashers and the dome light increases your visibility to other drivers.

 

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