Night driving presents more risk than driving during the day that should be approached with special attention. At night time, the low light decreases visibility, headlight glare can be blinding, and drivers are more likely to be tired and slower to react. These factors make driving at night a challenge, leading to a higher risk of serious accidents. Drivers should not be afraid to drive at night; however you should be aware the increased level of danger of nighttime driving. Follow some tips below which will assist you for driving at night safely.

1.  Stay Awake and Stay Sober

Be sure to get enough sleep before long trips, especially since the ongoing fatigue of the drive will add up before nighttime. If you are tired or fatigued, avoid driving at all costs. If you must go somewhere, take an Uber or Lyft to avoid getting behind the wheel.
Always avoid driving if you are drunk or tipsy. When you are drunk, it slows and distorts your ability to react to obstacles. Moreover, you should not drive when you’re drunk to avoid any risks, especially getting a DUI (Driving Under Influences) ticket.

2. Slow Down

When driving at night, it’s best to slow down your speed and go below the speed limit to drive safely. Even with proper headlights, give yourself more time to identify and react to obstacles and road conditions by driving more slowly. Get yourself in a good driving habit by increasing focus and reducing speed when driving at night to protect yourself, your passengers, and others. 

 
 

3. Keep a Safe Distance

At night, you need to keep a more considerable distance between you and the car in front of you. It is recommended you keep at least 75 feet apart while driving at night. This distance allows you more time to react to any issues that come up.  
 

4. Clean Up Your View

Dirty or damaged headlights can decrease your visibility and cast glare onto oncoming drivers. So clean headlights and windshields regularly; you can use a special cleaning kit for headlights.
 

 

5. Check and Adjust Your Headlights

Make sure your headlights are in the best position to provide you optimal sight without blinding other drivers on the road. In rural areas or roads with few street lights, you might need to use your vehicle’s high beams to see the road clearly. Make sure to turn off your high beams as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle. Also, never use your high beams while driving behind another car.
 

6. Include Night Driving in Your Behind the Wheel Training

 
 
New drivers are rightfully nervous when driving at night, especially when they haven’t had specific training. Request to your instructor for your behind the wheel training/Drivers training include nighttime driving lessons if possible. The more scenarios you’re exposed to and made aware of during driving training, the better prepared you will be on your own.