Safety Resources
Night Driving
Mom always told you that eating carrots would improve your vision at night. But
to improve your skills as a night driver, you'll need more than your daily dose
of helpful vitamins and minerals. While it's true that limited vision is a
primary factor in nighttime accidents, other dangerous factors — including
exhaustion and simple negligence — also increase the risk involved in night
driving. Follow these tips to a safer night's drive.
NEVER drink and drive.
Make sure that your headlights, taillights and
signal lights are clean and precisely aimed. This will help ensure that your
vision and that of drivers in the opposite direction remain unimpaired.
If
an oncoming vehicle with high beams activated begins to hinder your vision, then
use the right shoulder of the road as a steering guide.
Judging a vehicle's
speed at night can be troublesome. Travel at a safe speed and be sure you allow
ample space between you and other vehicles.
In spite of all diligent
precautions, nighttime vehicle trouble can still occur. Move your vehicle as far
from traffic as possible and turn on your hazard flashers to alert other drivers
of your vulnerable condition.
Keep your headlights on — even in twilight.
Since your eyes must adapt to rapidly changing light intensity at dusk, your
lights may help both you and other drivers avoid any mishaps.
Fatigue can
easily set in when driving ceaselessly during night hours. Stop occasionally to
stretch or snack. (Or better yet, stop and get some sleep.)