Simple tips to help keep you safe
At some point, most of us will find ourselves driving at night. While night driving is a part of life, it’s more dangerous than driving during the day and requires more precautions and quick thinking. This can be especially difficult because we are much more tired at night.
Since we can’t avoid night driving, it’s important to know how to make it safer for ourselves and those around us. Here are a few easy tips that will help as you navigate the night roads.
- Check and Double Check: Before you get on the road, make sure your headlights and high beams are working properly. Driving with only one working headlight is extremely dangerous and scary.
- Know your Route: If you are travelling in an unfamiliar area, get familiar with the directions and lock in the GPS route on your phone or car while you have good cell reception. This is important, especially if you’re travelling in areas with little or no reception.
- Lower your Speed: Don’t drive at a speed that feels uncomfortable, even if it’s the speed limit. It’s often hard to see what’s ahead, even with headlights. Not only is reaction time slower at night, there are also more creatures that emerge on the road unexpectedly. There are most accidents involving animals, especially deer, at night.
- Avoid Distractions and Stay Alert: You should avoid distractions day and night, but especially at night. Turn down the radio, put your cell phone away, and ask passengers to be an extra set of eyes on the road. If you start feeling drowsy, ask someone else to take over driving or pull to the side of the road and rest. Caffeinated drinks are also helpful when you’re driving at night.
- Watch for Erratic Drivers: Drunk driving is more prevalent late at night, especially in areas near bars and restaurants. Keep an eye out for drivers or pedestrians behaving erratically. Give them more space and call 911 if you believe you or those around you are in danger.
As you get older, it’s important to regularly get your eyes checked to ensure you are safe to drive at night. If, after taking all necessary precautions, you’re still uncomfortable driving at night, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Ask your spouse, neighbor, or friend to help you get around after dark and set up an emergency contact if you need help or have an emergency in the middle of the night. If you’ve been in a car accident at night or have questions about night driving, give Eason & Tambornini a call today.
