Driving at night may not seem all that different from driving during the day, but there’s a reason why learner drivers are required to get evening practice hours as well as daytime ones.
There are many safety issues that are unique to driving at night, so today we figured we’d share some essential safety tips for when you’re out there after hours.
Let There Be Light
Our first and most important safety tip for getting around at night is to ensure that you have a good enough lighting set-up that you can see everything around you.
If you find that your standard headlight configuration isn’t bright enough for the activities you want to undertake, we strongly recommend looking into the best LED Light Bars for your car, especially if you intend on doing any offroading.
You can’t avoid danger if you can’t see it, so this should always be your top priority. However, keep in mind that certain lights (like fog lights and light bars) aren’t suitable for inner-city driving.
Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
If you’ve ever had to deal with a flat tire, you know how much of a pain they are to replace on the side of the road.
In fact, depending on the type of car you have and whether you were ever taught what to do, you may not even be confident that you could change your own tire.
Now, think about trying to deal with that in the dark, especially if you’ve found yourself in the middle of nowhere.
Checking your tire pressure regularly can help you avoid this issue, and it’s a good habit to be in anyway.
Stop in at a service station to pump them up before you take off on any big trips, and make an extra stop if you’re going on an overnight drive.
Carry First Aid
This tip is essential during both the day and night in our opinion, but carrying a first aid kit is even more vital if you’re driving at night.
Every time we head out on the roads, we’re taking a risk. While we can do our best to mitigate it, we can never truly eliminate it.
Hopefully, you’ll never need to use the medical supplies tucked away in your first aid kit, but it’s always good to be prepared just in case.
Clean Your Windshield
The little spray that comes out of your wipers is great for clearing up minor messes that get on your windshield, but if you’re heading out at night, you’ll want to give it a proper clean beforehand.
A dirty windshield greatly increases your chances of having an accident as it makes glare and other vision-limiting factors far more intense.
Even a fine film of muck can impair visibility in ideal conditions, so it is best to give your windscreen a once over before you leave the driveway.
Rest If You’re Tired
Finally, if you’re feeling sleepy, please pull over and have a rest. Studies have shown that driving tired impairs your ability almost as much as being drunk, so it simply isn’t worth the risk.
Your destination will still be there if you stop for a nap, and half an hour isn’t worth risking your life or the lives of other people.
Staying safe on the roads should always be our top priority, and the tips in this article can help you do just that. Remember to stay alert, keep your vehicle in top shape, and be careful out there. Have a great night!
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