Many drivers prefer to be on the roads when it is light out. This is because reduced visibility and other factors can make you feel unsafe when driving in the dark. While driving in the dark can be more dangerous than driving when it is light out, there are ways to combat the dangers and safely get to your destination. In this post, I will review some safety tips for driving in the dark.

Driving in the Dark Risk Factors

Risk factors for accidents or run-ins with the police increase when a person is driving at night. Some common issues include:

• Road or weather issues that decrease visibility, especially when driving on backroads or in small towns.
• Fatigue or drowsiness when driving late at night.
• Vehicle issues that could decrease visibility, such as having a headlight or high beam light go out.
• Eye issues such as poor visibility, poor depth perception, etc.

Staying Safe

Luckily, there are ways to reduce your risk of having an issue when driving late at night. First, you should drive at a pace that is comfortable to you. If you are on dark, windy roads with limited streetlights, there’s no harm in slowing down to increase your visibility. This could prevent an issue such as hitting wildlife, hitting debris, or driving off the road.

Secondly, make sure that your vehicle is prepared to drive in dark conditions. Make sure that all of your lights are in proper working order, and that there are no other issues with your vehicle that could make it difficult to operate the vehicle safely, stop, or slow down. Use your headlights and high beams when appropriate. Also make sure that your windshield is clean so that you can see out of it properly.

Finally, make sure that you take care of your body. It is a good idea to take care of your eyesight and stay up-to-date with your eye care. If you need glasses or contacts, make sure you are wearing them when driving at night. Give your eyes every advantage so that you can see as well as you can. Also make sure that, if it is preventable, you do not drive when you are tired. If you are feeling tired and you are supposed to drive home, see if someone else can drive you. If you get tired while driving, pull over in a safe spot until you are alert enough to safely carry on your way.

Driving at Night

If you are uncomfortable with your driving abilities at night, it might be best to avoid doing so altogether. However, if you are going to drive at night, consider these tips to help you do so as safely as possible. If you do find yourself in a situation where you have been pulled over by the police or you get into an accident, my office can help. Reach out to us and we can review your situation and make sure that you get the justice you need. We are happy to help.