SIX Tips For Driving at Night
As you know, driving at night is a different ball game altogether compared to driving during the day. You may be working the night shift or work requires you to drive long journeys at night, nighttime driving is unavoidable. So, here are six tips to help you drive safely after the sun sets:
1. Check your car
Ensure that all aspects of your car are in order for safe driving—functioning lights, clean windshield for good visibility, properly inflated tyres, and enough fuel in your tank, just to name a few. All these are essential as you would want to make your way to your destination without any hiccups.
2. Plan your route
Knowing your route will make your trip as smooth as possible. Using a navigation app i.e Waze/ Google Maps enables you to know the estimated time of arrival as well as avoid any routes that may have an accident, stalled vehicle, road works or heavy rainfall (in our part of the world).
3. Drive defensively
Be on the lookout for other motorists that may not be following the rules on the road. Drink driving is a danger to everyone and if you spot someone driving in a zig-zag pattern, call the authorities to alert them. You may help save a life or lives.
4. Get proper rest
Having adequate sleep is paramount for safe driving, more so during the night. You don’t want to drink multiple cups of coffee to stay alert as it is detrimental to your health in the long run. And when you have loved ones in the car with you, all the more to get some good ZZZs.
5. Check your eyes
Get your eyes checked. If you’re wearing glasses or contact lenses, ensure that it is up to date. A report in UK shows that almost fifty percent of drivers do not wear their prescription glasses on the road. Whether it is sunglasses or night-driving glasses, incorrect eyewear hinders your vision.
6. Use high beams when appropriate
Nowadays, many car manufacturers are adopting Adaptive Highbeam Assist which adjusts the headlamp intensity to suit the traffic situation without dazzling oncoming traffic. However, if your car doesn’t came with it, be vigilant in using your high beam appropriately, especially in rural or little to no-light areas.
