Car Safety and Nighttime Driving

There are many reasons why driving is safer during the daytime than at night. Obviously, visibility

There are many reasons why driving is safer during the daytime than at night. Obviously, visibility is higher during the day. Although there is more traffic, drivers are more likely to be wide awake and alert during the day. Drunk drivers cause a significant percentage of car accidents, and drunk driving is largely a nighttime problem. Finally, streetlights and headlights, while necessary, often temporarily blind drivers to what is before them. Here are some safety reminders for driving at night.

Visibility is issue number one. You must maintain your headlights. Only drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within your field of vision. If your headlights are only illuminating the road thirty feet in front of you, you must be able to stop within this distance. Otherwise, you are counting on the area you cannot see being clear. When other cars approach, you may be blinded by their headlights, so slow accordingly.

It is your responsibility to be alert while behind the wheel. You should not drive when you are drowsy, exhausted, or otherwise incapacitated. Nodding off is a sign that you should stop your car immediately. Pull off to a safe parking area and take a nap, or get out and refresh yourself immediately. If you remain sitting, your body is obviously in a comfortable enough state to nod off again. Look out for erratic driving from other cars, as this is a sign of drowsy or drunk driving.

Never drive drunk. If you enjoy alcohol and are attending a party or going to a bar or restaurant, make alternative plans to get yourself home. Do not wait until you have become drunk before deciding what to do. Alcohol will inhibit your judgment about your own ability to drive safely. Take that decision out of your own hands before you drink by designating a driver or arranging for a taxi. By all means, watch out for drunk drivers. Drive doubly defensively at night, avoiding other drivers as much as possible.

Many states have no fault insurance rules. This means that you will take an insurance hit even if you did not cause the accident. Accidents of this sort can increase your premiums even if you are a safe driver. The best way to avoid such an eventuality is to stay out of accidents.