Many drivers feel less confident driving at night, even if they have perfectly good vision and do not suffer from “night blindness”. Add poor weather conditions and fatigue into the mix and there is a significant increase in the risk involved in driving at night. It Is, therefore, Important to keep the following tips in mind.
Use Your Headlights
You must develop the habit of turning your headlights earlier rather than later. Your headlights should come on at least an hour before dusk. This ensures you can easily see as the sun sets, and it makes you more visible to other road users. When the weather is bad, your headlights should be on regardless. Thunderstorms can bring about dark clouds, fog, windstorms and heavy rain can all impair visibility.
It is important that other road users can see you. If you are not sure how visible you are, why not have your headlights on? It can help to make your driving easier as well as that of other road users, unless you are making use of high beams and making it difficult for other drivers to see anything.
Back off
It is never a good driving habit to follow too closely. This habit should be especially avoided at night and during bad weather. Following too closely can make the other driver nervous, which may impact on his decision making when it matters most on the road. Furthermore, the closer you are, the brighter your headlights are and this can distract the other driver. This could make him nervous, impairing his visibility and causing an accident leading to injury or death.
Following too closely will reduce your own visibility during bad weather or night hours. Seeing beyond during the day is easier, therefore you can react better to any incidence ahead or on the side. With limited you must be able to react rapidly
Be Alert, Keep Your Eyes on Other Road Users
One of the ways to stay safe at night is to watch for lights and constant check of mirrors. It is important you keep an eye on other cars headlights, this will help you spot cars without headlights. Also, look out for children playing on the streets and animals on the side of the road that could pose problems.
Stay alert, check mirrors regularly, be in tune with happenings around you and be on top of your defensive game skills. Carefully watch out for other driver mistakes, and worry less about yours. Ensure your mirrors are clean and pointed in the appropriate position to see and lose glare.
Headlights
Your headlights should be clean and pointing in the right direction. Never make the mistake of driving around during bad weather or night hours on only one headlamp. It will impair your visibility, and if there is any chance of the second burning out, you will be left with no headlight. It is very dangerous and could earn you a ticket from the police.
