There is 60% less traffic on the roads at night, but you are actually 40% more likely to crash when night driving. There are many reasons for this, but you can stay safe when it’s darker.
Make Yourself Visible
Headlights are an essential part of driving because they allow you to see in the dark. But they aren’t only for that. Headlights make you visible to other vehicles, and you must learn to use them correctly. For example, a truck with full beams can obscure your vision and cause a crash. Contact a truck accident lawyer if this happens, and you aren’t to blame. You don’t want to be that person, so make sure your lights make you visible in a safe and responsible way.
Adjust Tires According to Road Conditions
Roads are always changing, and even the weather can affect them. For example, a cold road at night can affect your tires. For every 10° decrease in temperature, tire pressure can drop by up to 2 lbs PSI. This results in underinflated tires and can cause your vehicle to lose traction. Therefore it helps to keep an eye on such things when you are driving at night. Modern cars have sensors and displays, but you can use tools such as tire pressure gauges to check.
Get Night Driving Insurance
If you are driving at night for your job, an employer will cover your insurance. However, it could be the case that you are self-employed, such as an overnight courier. You will need to check if you have the right insurance because you may need specific coverage for driving at night. Additionally, you can often get a better deal on your car’s insurance using a telematics black box system. However, some insurers have a cut-off time that limits the benefits of driving at night.
Make Sure to Take Breaks
Your body is wired to sleep at night and be alert during the day. Even when you have been driving at night for a while, it can still be tricky to stay awake. It helps to get into the habit of sleeping all day, but this can be hard, especially with family commitments. Therefore taking regular breaks will help you overcome inevitable night tiredness. Also, stay away from caffeine and energy drinks, as these make you feel more tired when the effects eventually wear off.
Keep Your Vehicle in Top Condition
Whether you drive all day or all night, you have an obligation to make sure your vehicle is fit for the road. Vehicle negligence will almost certainly result in an incident at some point, and more often than not, the driver is fine while an innocent person is injured or worse. It only takes a few minutes to check your fuel, oil, and water levels. And then, do a quick check of the lights, battery, and tires, making sure there is enough pressure and that no lights are burned out.
Summary
Night driving is essential to make a living or even to travel for leisure long-distance. But it is inherently less safe than during the day. You can make it safer for yourself and others by using lights correctly, driving well for insurance benefits, and checking your vehicle before you leave.
