What to do to make driving at night safer

From sunrise to sunset drivers have a huge advantage in the sun. Although it’s easy to take for granted, the sun makes it immensely easier for us to see. Once darkness falls driving becomes a whole new ball game. Driving is a lot dicier after the sun goes down. Driving at night presents a whole new set of circumstances for any driver. Darkness itself is a hazard. Even people with the best of vision cannot see as well at night.

To begin with, your field of vision is less, you actually see a smaller amount of space, objects are not as sharp, you can’t see dips and rises as well, and you have a harder time distinguishing colors. A person with excellent vision still needs to remember to slow down and be aware of all the hazards that could present themselves at night. You can only see as far ahead as your headlights shine. This makes it harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and obstacles in the road, so go slowly enough that you can stop within the distance lighted by your headlights.

If it’s safe, use your high beams on open highways but always know when to change to low beams. If you approach another car from behind or meet an oncoming car, then switch to low beams. High beams blind other drivers and increase the likelihood of a crash. To avoid being blinded do not look directly at oncoming headlights. Instead look to the right edge of your lane and watch the oncoming car out of the corner of your eye.

A couple of other brief points, never drive with just your parking lights on. Parking lights are designed for parking and are not a substitute for headlights. And keep you windshield and your headlights clean. They can get really dirty really quickly. It’s easy to do, give them a quick wipe when at the gas station. It helps reduce glare and helps the lights to shine brighter and in general helps you to see much better at night.