10 tips for safe night driving

Though there is less traffic during nighttime hours, nearly half of all fatal traffic collisions occur after dark.

Darkness can cause changes in perception and how you see your surroundings. It can also increase the feelings of weariness or fatigue that normally occur when driving long distances.

If you’re like most drivers, you may not be aware of the dramatic difference that darkness can have in your ability to cope with routine driving situations. Thus, driving at night makes you more vulnerable to dangerous situations on the road.

10 tips for driving at night

Fortunately, you can help minimize after-dark dangers by following these guidelines while you drive:

1. Keep headlights, taillights, signal lights, mirrors and windows (inside and out) clean and free of defects.
2. Avoid over-driving your headlights. In other words, don’t drive so fast that you’re unable to stop within the distance illuminated by the vehicle’s headlamps.
3. Avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights. Instead, look to the right edge of the road.
4. Do not flash your high beams to alert other drivers. This may create a dangerous glare or distraction for the other driver.
5. Keep your eyes moving to help reduce the effects of eye fatigue.
6. Keep vehicle lights on from sunset until sunrise; during periods of rain, snow, hail, sleet or fog; and at any time you can’t clearly see the road ahead for a distance of at least 500 feet.
7. Be aware of your level of fatigue. Take a break or stop when tired. Keep your cab or vehicle well-ventilated and slightly cool to help you stay alert.
8. Watch out for impaired drivers who typically make sudden stops and abrupt lane changes, and fail to maintain a consistent speed.
9. Keep interior lights off.
10. Adjust your instrument panel lights as low as possible without compromising your ability to read the gauges.