How to drive at night

Author: Louise Ward
Date Of Creation: 10 February 2021
Update Date: 2 July 2024
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How to Drive at Night :: Tips & Techniques to Safely Drive in the Dark
Video: How to Drive at Night :: Tips & Techniques to Safely Drive in the Dark

Content

It may be difficult to tell whether the shadow in front of the car is a deer or a pedestrian while driving at night, but are not It's hard to understand why driving at night is so scary for many drivers. Despite the fact that people drive mainly during the day, 40-50% of accidents happen at night. Fortunately, there's no reason why nighttime driving is unsafe - with some simple precautions, you can drive safely, maintain good visibility, and even enjoy a Driving experience in the dark!

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Using safe driving skills

  1. Turn on the lights when wondering if you should. When darkness begins to cover city roads and highways, there will always be an hour to two when some cars have their lights on while others do not. As a general rule of thumb, once you see it starting to get darker (even just slightly dark), it's best to turn on the lights. You may not need to turn on your lights to see the road at this time, but other drivers will friend It is easier if your lights are open (especially when the sun sets behind you, obscuring the image of approaching vehicles).
    • Also, it's important to know that in many jurisdictions, driving without lights at night or in the morning can be illegal. In California, for example, you must turn on your lights half an hour before sunset and half an hour after the sun rises (and under any conditions that impair visibility).

  2. Reduce speed. As a general rule of thumb, driving at night requires a slower speed than driving during the day. That's because night vision is much worse than daytime (even on well-lit urban roads), so you need more time to see and react to hazards, pedestrians. and other obstacles. Because you cannot control the dangers on the road but may Take control of your driving, so the smartest way is to slow down so you have more time to react to problems. You should not go faster than the lights can - meaning you are traveling so fast that you cannot stop within the distance of the light ahead.
    • The basic rule of thumb for driving at night is: "The posted speed limit is the highest speed allowed by law - not the highest speed, but safe." Don't be afraid to slow down the posted speed limit if you cannot see very far, especially if you are turning or running up a slope, when your visibility is more obstructed. Allow other vehicles to pass as needed.

  3. Beware of drunk or tired drivers. According to statistics, there are always more drivers drunk and tired at night than during the day. This can have fatal consequences - for example, in 2011, driving drunk at night caused four times more accidents than during the day. Both of these conditions can significantly reduce a driver's reaction speed and lead to reckless behavior, so watch out for vehicles stumbling on the road and away from them.
    • Keep in mind that weekend evenings (Fridays and Saturdays) tend to have more drunk drivers than week nights because many people prefer to start the weekend with a beer or two. Vacations very bad. For example, some studies show that the first hours of January 1 are the deadly time of the year due to traffic accidents caused by drunkenness.

  4. Take regular breaks to combat fatigue. Just as you need to be wary of drivers who lose consciousness due to fatigue, you also need to control your own fatigue. Fatigue while driving can pose the same risks as getting drunk, including decreased cognition, slower reaction times, frequent "drowsiness", sagging on the road, and so on. To combat these problems, regularly stop your car for exercise, eat and / or drink coffee, and regain concentration before continuing your journey.
    • If you are too tired to drive safely - for example, if you squint frequently, pull over or find a place to take a nap. Safety first to avoid regret, the life-threatening risks posed by drowsiness while driving, even for a few seconds, are far more worrying than the inconvenience of being late.
  5. Watch out for animals, especially in rural areas. Crossing animals are especially dangerous at night. Animals are difficult to see on low-lighted roads as you drive at high speed, and collisions with large animals like retirement can be life-threatening or cause great damage ( for people, animals and vehicles). Be wary of retirement, deer or other animals that are likely to cross the street (like rural areas). Watch for animal signs posted near the road and slow down appropriately. Also, note that the majority of accidents related to retirement usually occur in late fall and early winter (although it can happen every year).
    • If you see animals in front, usually the smartest way is do not maneuver. Even though it's your first reflex, maneuvering is actually the leading cause of injury and death in collisions with deer. Instead, slow down to maximum speed by pressing the brakes and letting the car collide with the animal.
    • A useful tip for detecting animals in front is to keep an eye on their irises.You may or may not be able to see an animal's body before it appears within range of the light, but often can see light reflected from their eyes far away. If you see two bright spots lying close together in the darkness ahead, slow down!
  6. Constantly rolling his eyes. Lullness is a big problem for night drivers. To maintain concentration, constantly roll your eyes while driving. Regularly observe the road closely for potential hazards. Glancing sideways and checking your mirror from time to time to maintain alertness to the space around you. Resist the urge to focus on the mid-road line - driving doesn't require you to observe the line too closely, and it can "hypnotize" you into cognitive decline.
    • The relatively quiet and quiet nighttime driving atmosphere, plus the harmony of darkness, can contribute to putting the driver in a very dangerous hypnotic-like state. Even if the driver doesn't quite doze off, this distraction can slow reaction times, causing distraction and other dangerous problems. Stay alert and alert at all times - your life and that of other drivers depends on that.
  7. Take all the same safety measures as driving during the day. This is obvious, but reiterated that all the safety measures you take during the day are especially important at night. Remember to buckle up, adjust seats and mirrors, store your phone, and concentrate on driving while behind the wheel. These simple safety measures will make driving safer and more difficult for you to have an accident, day or night. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Vision Improvement

  1. Make sure your headlights, mirrors and windshield are in good condition at all times. Headlights are the most important lifeline when driving at night. If the headlights are not working properly, you are increasing the risk of an accident. Keep the front light clean by rinsing it off after a few weeks - this routine will help increase the light output. If the headlights burn, replace them as soon as possible during the day and avoid driving at night until the lights are changed. Note that driving with inactive headlights is usually against the law.
    • Also, for the best visibility, keep your windshield, windows and rearview mirror as clean as possible. Avoid using your hands to clean these important parts - natural oils on the skin can leave a dull mark. Instead, use newspaper or a fine fiber towel.
  2. Use headlights in a dimly lit environment. A car's headlight mode can enhance your safety when driving at night, but only if you use it properly. Headlights should be used when you are driving on very dark roads, low visibility areas, and not many vehicles on the road. In this case, the headlights help your field of view wider and farther, so use it when needed.
    • Be sure to turn off your headlights when you are driving behind another vehicle or approaching a vehicle. In this case, strong light from the headlights can blind another driver, making it difficult for them to drive safely.
    • If you are turning at a curve or going up a slope and you begin to see a light from another vehicle, turn off your headlights so that the driver does not have a sudden sight.
  3. Consider adjusting your headlights. Sometimes car headlights are mounted more downward than necessary, or not completely symmetrical. No matter how bright the light is, if it is not installed at the right angle to maximize the illumination of the road ahead, so if you find the lights are not good at night, you should consider repositioning. lamp. At a professional car maintenance shop, they can adjust the headlights fairly quickly and at low cost.
    • You can also adjust the headlights yourself. Since each vehicle is different, if you want to do this, follow the instructions in the manufacturer's manual. Be persistent - it takes a moment to perfectly align your headlights.
  4. Coping with another vehicle's headlights by looking to the side of the road. In theory, other vehicles will always dim their headlights when you see you, as well as how you would when you see them. Unfortunately, drivers don't always remember to do this. If a vehicle ahead has their headlights on, do not look at them because strong light can temporarily blind you. Instead, you should look to the right of the lane (or left for countries with vehicles moving to the left) while maintaining peripheral vision to be alert for hazards. This helps you maintain maximum vigilance against the dangers around you, while maintaining your vision.
    • If car behind turn on the headlights, try adjusting the rearview mirror to direct the light out of your eyes. You can even adjust the mirror so that the light is reflected back on the vehicle behind and warn him of the mistake.
  5. Consider installing fog lights near the ground. If you plan to drive regularly at night in foggy weather, you should consider investing in a pair of aftermarket fog lights. These lamps are usually installed low above the front fenders to maximize the illumination of the road surface (fog is usually thinnest at foot level). However, not all non-genuine fog lamps are created equal, so speak with an automotive professional before purchasing.
    • Never turn on your vehicle's headlights in fog. The mist forming water particles can reflect strong light back in your direction, obstructing your vision more than when the lights aren't turned on at all.
  6. If you wear glasses, use glasses with an anti-reflective coating. The headlights of other vehicles (especially the headlights) can cause great problems for people wearing glasses. The glasses can sometimes reflect incoming light and dazzle the wearer. To avoid glare, try wearing contact lenses or using glasses with an anti-reflective coating as it can minimize this effect.
    • If you have purchased this particular type of glass, it is advisable to leave it in your car so that it can be used when needed.
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Part 3 of 3: Enjoy the night trip

  1. Avoid getting sleepy by talking to passengers. Once you have mastered the basics of driving safely at night, the experience can be enjoyable and comfortable, especially if you make good use of relaxing opportunities to help. I drive safely. For example, if you are driving at night with a passenger, talk to them occasionally. Talking to others is a great way to dispel the fatigue from driving, and quiet, dark spaces can often lead to unexpectedly intimate conversation.
    • However, you must make sure not to focus too much on the conversation. Engaging in a heated debate can distract you from the most important task of driving safely.
  2. Listening to music. Night driving can be a great time to listen to your favorite music. The relatively quiet space of the night makes it easier to hear the small details of the song, making the music even better. Some people like to listen to dance music also known as disco music at night, while others like the strong melody of heavy rock music. There is no such thing as "suitable" for listening at night - it's up to you! Here are some good music to listen to while driving at night, in different genres (and more):
    • Kavinsky - "Nightcall"
    • Chromatics - "Back From the Grave"
    • DJ Shadow - "Midnight in a Perfect World"
    • Kyuss - "Gardenia"
    • Allan Kingdom - "Evergreens"
    • Golden Earring - "Radar love"
    • Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick, and Tich - "Hold Tight"
    • Quiet Riot - "Party All Night"
    • Daft Punk - "Contact"
    • Charles Mingus - "Moanin ''
  3. Visit attractions at night. Night driving is sometimes a way for you to come into contact with people and things that you will not have a chance to see during the day. For example, most major city centers really only "live" at night and are bustling with special people with nightlife.Even rural areas have a unique "taste" at night. Every route is different, so you need to keep your eyes open to see the attractions - if you have to rest regularly to combat fatigue, you should give yourself plenty of opportunities to pause. Here are places and activities that you might be interested in:
    • Eat, drink / go out at night
    • Bars and nightclubs (note: avoid drinking and driving, especially at night)
    • Truck stop / rest area
    • Beautiful street and view from above
    • Camping area
    • Restaurant, cinema ... for customers to sit in cars
  4. Enjoy calmness (in a responsible way). Driving at night is an experience unlike any other. With the engine sound emanating smoothly and evenly, combining the surrounding darkness, the driving feeling is like flying in space. Driving at night brings a sense of mystery, pleasure and evenness exciting - for some, it's one of the simplest yet most engaging fun. It's okay to enjoy a quiet evening of driving, but don't forget to focus on what matters most - your safety and that of other drivers. Always remember that distraction while driving can cause a fatal accident (especially at night), so keep your eyes on the road. If you are confident in your safe driving habits, you can relax and enjoy the ride responsibly! advertisement

Advice

  • Adjust the rearview mirror in the "face down" or "night" state to reduce glare caused by the rear headlights.
  • Check all your vehicle's lights periodically, especially as you will have to drive more at night in the coming winter months. To make the inspection easier, you can coordinate with another person to operate the lights and watch while the lights are on, or you can see your own reflection from windows of glazed buildings. .
  • Ignore distractions while driving, but don't just focus on the road. Focusing on the road too closely can put you on a hypnosis, and your mind can become "empty" in an instant. Continuously roll your eyes around the car and the surroundings.

Warning

  • Always wear seat belts and encourage passengers to wear seat belts.
  • Do not drive while drunk.
  • Don't believe that sunglasses with bright yellow or orange lenses can help you see better at night. Wearing sunglasses at night can make things appear brighter.
  • Always carry your driver's license with you to avoid suspecting the police of a bogus situation.
  • Never drive without a legal driver's license in your name.
  • Do not drive when you are tired. In some countries, driving while drowsy is seen as driving while under the influence of a substance. Regardless of the law, this behavior is very dangerous.