adminGoing on a trip is considered healthy living. However, what happens when night falls? Discover insights on “How Safe is Midnight Travel in 2024?”
It’s not just your imagination—driving at night is genuinely riskier. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that fatal accidents are three times more likely to occur during nighttime than during daylight hours.
The primary cause of this heightened danger is the reduced visibility after dark, notes Alex Epstein, director of transportation safety at the National Safety Council. “In low-light conditions, your visibility is limited, which shortens your reaction time and decreases your ability to stop your vehicle,” he explains. Ironically, some light sources—such as the intense glare from overly bright headlights—can exacerbate the issue.
Get free quote today
How Safe is Midnight Travel in 2024?
But other factors make nighttime driving even more challenging. Below are 12 practical tips to help minimize risks when driving after sunset.
1. Stay Extra Alert
The dangers of driving under the influence are magnified at night. According to the NHTSA, fatal accidents involving alcohol are nearly four times more likely to occur after dark than during the day. Always avoid driving while impaired or distracted, regardless of the time. However, at night, it’s especially important to heighten your defensive driving instincts.
2. Fight Off Fatigue
Crashes related to drowsy driving most frequently occur between midnight and 6 a.m., according to the NHTSA. Be vigilant during these hours, as tired drivers may be on the road. Keep yourself alert with caffeine, pull over to rest if needed, or stop for the night if necessary. Some drivers also find that turning on the radio, lowering the windows for fresh air, or talking to themselves helps maintain alertness.
3. Keep Your View Clear
Dirty or damaged windshields can diffuse light and intensify glare, warns the NHTSA. Additionally, cloudy or damaged headlights can reduce visibility and create glare for other drivers. Regularly clean your headlights and windshields, and consider using a specialized cleaning kit for your headlights.
4. Avoid Two-Lane Highways
Two-lane highways present a worst-case scenario for nighttime glare, according to the NHTSA. These roads often have lower lighting and more curves or hills than freeways, and the headlights of oncoming vehicles can worsen visibility. Whenever possible, opt for a safer route at night.
5. Reduce Your Speed
Speeding contributes to 37% of fatal nighttime crashes, compared to 21% of crashes during the day, reports the NHTSA. Lower visibility and reduced reaction times are key reasons for this. For example, headlights typically illuminate up to 160 feet ahead, but even at 40 mph, you’ll need 190 feet to stop. Russ Rader from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests adjusting your speed according to the visibility and current road conditions.
6. Adjust Your Headlight Angle
If your headlights are aimed too low, they won’t provide sufficient illumination. If they’re aimed too high, they can blind oncoming drivers. Some states include headlight angle checks in their vehicle inspection tests, but if not, ensure your lights are properly aligned by visiting a repair facility. “This isn’t typically a DIY task,” says Rader.
7. Use High Beams Wisely
Many drivers underutilize their high beams, even though they can be extremely useful in rural areas or on open roads, according to Rader. Always lower your headlights to low beams when you’re within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle to prevent impairing the vision of the other driver. Also, avoid using high beams when driving behind another car. If you’re considering a new car, Rader recommends looking into adaptive lighting systems that adjust your high beams based on surrounding traffic.
8. Adjust Interior Lighting
Bright dashboard lights can cause disorientation when shifting your gaze from the dashboard to the dark road ahead, says the NSC’s Epstein. “At night, dim the interior lights so that essential controls are still visible without being distracting,” he advises. He also suggests using visors to block glare from streetlights. Many modern cars come equipped with mirrors that automatically reduce reflections from bright light.
9. Look in the Right Place
Always keep your eyes on the road, but avoid staring directly at oncoming headlights, warns Epstein. When approaching another vehicle, look slightly down and to the right, using the edge of the road or lane markings to guide you. Once the vehicle passes, you can safely shift your gaze back up.
10. Be Wary of Wildlife
Animal-related collisions, especially with deer, tend to occur around dusk or during nighttime hours, with an increased likelihood between October and January. High beams can help you spot the reflective eyes of animals on the road. If you see an animal, slow down and stop if necessary, rather than swerving.
11. Take Care of Your Eyesight
As people age, the difficulty of dealing with nighttime glare increases, according to the NSC. Ensure you get an annual eye checkup, and consider adjusting your prescription specifically for nighttime driving if needed.
12. Test and Use Your Lights Regularly
Make it a habit to test all your vehicle’s lights, including high beams, low beams, daytime running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. It’s crucial to use your headlights not only when it’s dark but also in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog to ensure maximum visibility for yourself and others.
admin
