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United Tire and Service News

How To Drive Safely At Night

4/13/2021 2:39:00 PM | (366) View Count | Return
Nighttime driving comes with higher risks, regardless of how safe you drive. Yet, many drivers don't take the necessary precautions that should be taken. With a few proactive actions, you can greatly lower your risks when driving at night. Keep reading and find out how to keep you and your traveling companions safe.
 

Maintain Vehicle Safety Preparation

The first thing that must occur when driving at night is to ensure that your vehicle is prepared. Besides making sure that you stay up-to-date on all your regularly scheduled maintenance to prevent a breakdown, especially at night, you must continuously monitor certain vehicle conditions.
 
  • Keep a clean windshield and ensure that your windshield washer fluid reservoir remains full.
  • Check your headlights and taillights to make sure they're working properly. Sometimes your headlights can become foggy over time. When this happens, be sure to seek out headlight restoration so you're driving with an ample amount of light ahead of you. 
  • Visually inspect your wiper blades to make sure they're not dry-rotted, frayed, or broken.
  • Always have a roadside emergency kit, and make sure it includes emergency flares and a heavy-duty flashlight.
 
 

Stay Rested and Alertnight time driving safety

When you drive at night, you need much higher alertness than daytime driving. Your focus needs to be more precise to navigate the dark roadways, and that means you need proper rest. Being fatigued can cause you to lose focus, and you're less likely to make swift decisions that are more important at night. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigue and drowsy driving are some of the leading causes of nighttime driving fatalities—and they may have been easily preventable. If you ever feel fatigued or sleepy while driving at night, pull over in a safe area to regain alertness.
 
Tips for being properly rested for nighttime driving include:
  • Getting at least 7 to 8 hours of consistent sleep every night to regulate your body's sleep cycle.
  • Avoid taking sleep aids for longer than recommended.
  • Stay active and get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. 
  • Stay well-nourished to keep your energy sustained and prevent sluggishness.
  • Never drink alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel. Not even one drink. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. 
 

Obey the Rules of the Road

As you navigate the road at night, typically, you experience less traffic. There also are usually fewer police cars around, and because of that, you may think that it's okay to take more risks. You might be tempted to break the rules, such as not stopping at a stop sign. That is an accident waiting to happen and could put you at the risk of getting a citation or worse. Often, you're on the honor system when driving at night. So, take the responsibility seriously. Stay consistent with the rules of the road, and obey the laws.
 
  • Never go through a stop sign without completely stopping.
  • Under no circumstances should you ever go through a railroad crossing when the red lights are flashing.
  • Resist the urge to go through an intersection when you have the red light, even if it's 2 a.m. and there aren't any other cars around.
  • Call a taxi or ride share service if you've been drinking alcohol. Don't assume you can drive safely. Prepare for transportation in advance.
  • If you wear glasses for driving, always wear them at night when your vision is more vulnerable. And keep a spare set in your vehicle.
 
 

Keep Your Eyes Forward

The risks of driving at night also have to do with other drivers. One of the main complaints is dealing with the glare of oncoming headlights from other vehicles. To decrease the effects of the glare, make every effort to keep your eyes forward on the road. Never look directly at the oncoming headlights. This is when your driving lessons from a teenager can really pay off. Keep your hands at “10 and 2” on the steering and look beyond the vehicle for a wider scope. If possible, decelerate until the vehicle passes. Whatever you do, don't turn on your high beams to retaliate. Most drivers are completely unaware of the effects that the glare has on other drivers, so don't sweat it!
 
 
If you want more information about how to drive safely at night, we encourage you to reach out to us. And, of course, when you need an appointment for repairs, maintenance, or tires, you know that you can depend on us. Remember, United Tire & Service has 13 independent locations to serve the community, and we're here for you! Stay safe on the road! 

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