Driving in the Dark: 12 Safety Tips

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says nighttime is the most dangerous time to drive. Fatal accidents are three times more likely to occur at night than in the daytime. This has been attributed to reduced visibility during nighttime, glare from oncoming headlights, and the fact that most drivers are usually tired.

Unfortunately, most people cannot avoid driving at night. Sometimes, you can have an emergency that can't wait until morning, and of course, there are the shorter winter days. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk and ensure a safer journey when driving in the dark. Here are 12 safety tips for driving in the dark.

Clean windows and mirrors

If you usually drive a lot at night or know you will be driving at night, keep your vehicle in top-notch condition. Dirt, grime, and smudges on your windows and mirrors can significantly impair visibility, increase glare, and make it challenging to see obstacles, other vehicles, and road signs.

Clean windows and mirrors enable a clear view of the road ahead and the surrounding environment. This clarity is needed in low-light conditions to detect hazards, pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles.

Don't drive under the influence

NHTSA reported that 13,524 people succumbed to drunk driving-related crashes in 2022. On average, 37 fatalities are reported daily due to drunk driving accidents. That said, it's important to note that most of these fatalities occur during the night. The rate of fatal crashes caused by impaired driving is four times greater at night than during the day. This is because drunk driving is more prevalent at night than during the day. After all, this is when most people have free time.

Unfortunately, drinking alcohol can make you drowsy and reduce your reaction time. This, plus the fatigue from working during the day, is already a recipe for disaster. Please don't drive under the influence if you must drive at night.

Adjust your headlights properly

Driving with misaligned headlights is a hazard for you and other drivers. In your case, they will not provide enough light to see clearly and will blind oncoming drivers.

Luckily, most drivers on the road will notify you when this happens. They will flash their headlights from high to low. You can also tell your headlights are not correctly adjusted if you cannot see more than 20 or 30 feet in front of your car. Check your car owner's manual for guidance on how to adjust headlights.

Use high beam wisely

High beams allow you to see clearly in poorly lit areas like rural roads. However, you should not drive with high beams in busy traffic or when following another vehicle. This is because they will blind oncoming drivers.

When you must use high beams, remember to dim them when you are 500 feet away from an oncoming car. If your car is a newer model, check if it has an adaptive lighting system that adjusts the high beam automatically when other vehicles approach.

Use fog lights

There is no escaping from fog during winter or the rainy season. Fortunately, fog lights come in handy. As the name suggests, they are designed to improve visibility when driving through foggy areas.

However, remember that these lights should only be used in fog when visibility drops below 328 feet. Not using these lights when driving through fog not only compromises your safety, but you will also have a problem with your auto insurance company if you get into an accident on a foggy day and they are turned off.

Reduce speed and increase the following distance

Speeding is a significant cause of road carnage and the risk increases at night. NHTSA reports that 37% of all nighttime fatalities are caused by speeding. The problem is your ability to judge distance and react to unexpected obstacles is diminished at night. For this reason, reduce your speed so that you can have more time to react to sudden changes in the road.

Additionally, increase your following distance so that you have more stopping time in case the vehicle ahead stops suddenly. As a thumb rule, leave three seconds' worth of room between you and the car in front.

Don't stare at oncoming lights

The glare from oncoming headlights can cause temporary blindness and reduce night vision. This is dangerous as it could distract you and lead to an accident. Focus on the right edge of your lane rather than directly at oncoming car lights.

Stay alert and avoid drowsy driving

Fatigue is a common problem during nighttime driving. This is because the human body is programmed to sleep at night. A CDC study revealed that one in every 25 drivers admits to sleeping while driving. Another study reports that drowsy driving causes 20% of all road accidents.

If you have planned for a long road trip, ensure enough rest by sleeping for at least 7 to 8 hours. Once you begin the journey, take breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Walk around to stretch your legs, get fresh air, and have a snack to reenergize. However, don't eat heavy meals, as they can make you drowsy. If you are still sleepy, take a 30-minute nap.

Beware of drunk and distracted drivers

Drivers are more likely to be drunk and distracted at night than during the day. This is because, at night, most people are free from work and will pass by their favorite joints to catch up with friends and have a drink or two.

Watch for erratic driving behavior such as swerving, sudden braking, or inconsistent speeds. Keep a safe distance from any vehicle displaying these behaviors. Additionally, you can report such vehicles to authorities as they pose a severe risk to other unsuspecting drivers.

Stay focused and minimize distractions

Distractions are even more dangerous at night when visibility is already reduced. Bright car warning lights will distract and impair your night vision. They create glare on the windshield, making it difficult to see outside.

In addition, excessive chatting with your passengers or using your phone is dangerous. Dim the dashboard lights to a comfortable level, use hands-free devices if you must make a call, and never text while driving.

Get your eyes checked and use anti-reflective glasses

It is normal to notice changes in your vision as you age. Nvision Eye Center reports that about 2 to 3% of drivers on the road will fail the vision test if they reapply for their driving license. Although poor vision is mostly common among older people, there is an increase in younger people needing glasses to improve their vision.

The NSC says 90% of drivers' reactions depend on their vision. This means you are in big trouble if you already can't see well, plus the limited night visibility. To avoid this, ensure your eyes get checked at least once a year and use anti-reflective glasses if you must use glasses.

Avoid two-lane highways

As mentioned, driving on two-lane highways is risky due to the glare of the headlights. Therefore, avoid two-lane roads while driving at night if possible.

Final thought

Driving at night is risky. Some drivers are distracted, others are under the influence, and others are just careless. Luckily, these essential tips can significantly enhance your driving safety in the dark. Remember, the key is to stay alert, maintain your vehicle, and adapt your driving to the conditions.