7 Essential Tips for Safer Night Drives
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Night drives have unique challenges that distinguish them from daytime ones: limited visibility, feeling drowsy behind the wheel, road glare. They’re also more dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal accidents are three times more likely to happen at night than during the day. Here are some smart strategies to stay safe when driving at night.
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1. Adjust the headlight angle
Photo: Sharat Ganapati
Another smart move is to make sure your headlights are angled correctly. The best way to do this is to have a local car dealership’s service department inspect your vehicle. A technician will test the lights to determine if the headlights are tilted too high and have the potential of blinding other drivers on the road.
2. Avoid two-lane freeways
Per NHTSA, two-lane highways are more dangerous when driving in the dark due to more glare from oncoming cars’ headlights. They also tend to have steeper inclines and sharper curves. If possible, opt for a safer, more illuminated route.
3. Dim interior lights
When driving at night, if your dashboard lights are too bright, it’s a good idea to adjust the setting. This will make glancing from the dashboard to the road ahead less disorienting and a bit easier on your eyes.
4. Regularly test your lights
This might be a no-brainer, but do your best to routinely inspect your lights to ensure that they work. When driving at night, a burnt bulb can make all the difference in helping you detect (and avoid) certain obstacles and wildlife on your route.
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5. Keep your windows and headlights clean
Per the NHTSA, dirty or damaged windshields can scatter light and increase road glare. On a similar note, if your headlights are dirty or damaged, this can severely impede visibility. Make a habit of keeping these surfaces clean and clear to improve your safety on night drives.
6. Use your brights
When driving at night, headlights can be a lifesaver on open roads, especially if your route takes you through remote rural areas. If you’re in the market for a new car, look for a model with an adaptive lighting system. This technology will automatically adjust the headlight intensity depending on the lighting conditions you encounter on the road.
7. Take it slow
Travel more slowly when driving at night, due to limited visibility. Per the NHTSA, 37 percent of nighttime-driving fatalities are speeding-related.
Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.