header Car Insurance

How to Drive Safely at Night?

By Juhi Walia
31 October 2022, 12:53 PM

Since the distances you need to see are closer together and the visibility is less during the day, nighttime driving may be riskier than daytime driving. This is because the distances you need to see are closer together.

Additionally, your reaction time is slowed down, which is particularly problematic if other motorists cannot see you due to the reduced visibility caused by the fog.

Be sure to either pick up your pace or pick it back down, depending on what the circumstances require. Even though there are fewer pedestrian accidents at night, you should still take safety measures to increase your visibility just in case one occurs.

This article will give you some essential tips on how to drive safely at night. These tips will help you stay safe when you're on the road. Do have a new car insurance policy so that you can stay financially secure against unforeseen incidents when driving.

10 Night Driving Safety Tips 

Driving at night can be risky, but it's essential to take precautions to stay safe. Here are 10 tips on how to drive safely at night and help you stay safe on the road:

1. Make Sure Your Headlights are on

This is the most basic safety precaution you can take. Your headlights should be turned on when driving, even if you're not in a dark area. This will help avoid accidents caused by drivers who don't have their headlights on.

2. Drive at a Reasonable Pace

When driving at night, be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively. Don't drive too fast or get too close to other vehicles.

3. Don’t Drink and Drive

It's never safe to drink and drive, no matter how tired you are. Alcohol impairs your judgement and can lead to dangerous driving behaviour.

4. Stay Informed About Road Conditions

If you're heading out at night, know the current road conditions. This will help you stay safe and avoid any accidents.

Clean your windows and windscreens to reduce the amount of glare that is projected onto the road. It will also help reduce the risk of being hit by a car travelling in the opposite direction.

5. Use Low Beams as Much as Possible

This will make it easier to see other cars on the road and reduce the risk of being blinded by headlights.

6. Wear a Seatbelt When Driving at Night

This will help keep you safe in a collision, regardless of the car you drive.

7. Check Rearview Mirrors

When it's nighttime and you're driving, you must keep an eye on your rearview mirror. This is especially important if you're going in a city or other area with lots of traffic.

If cars are behind you, ensure you keep a safe distance between them and your vehicle. So, if there's an emergency and you have to brake suddenly, you could avoid a potential collision between your car and that of somebody else.

8. Avoid Overspeeding

One of the most common mistakes that drivers make at night is speeding. Speeding increases the risk of getting into a car crash. Overspeeding also increases your chances of hitting other vehicles, pedestrians, etc., on the road.

To stay safe while driving at night, remember to keep a slow pace and drive with caution. Stay in your lane and use your headlights to see in the dark. If you need to make a turn, do it smoothly and slowly so that you don't get any surprises.

9. Learn to Use High and Low Beams

When driving at night, it is essential to use your headlights and high beams to see clearly. Your headlights should be turned on at all times, and your high beams should be used when you need to see far ahead or when there is a lot of light fog or darkness.

10. Flash Dippers

When driving in the dark, it is also essential to use your car diaper. A dipper is a low-beam light used when driving in the city or on roads with a lot of traffic. It gives you a soft, diffused light that lets you see more clearly in the dark.

In Review

When driving at night, always remember to use your headlights and stay aware of your surroundings. It is important to drive defensively and obey all traffic laws.

Make sure you have car insurance from an online source to protect yourself in case of an accident. Today is the day to get your car insured with online auto insurance!

Read more -

FAQs

1. When driving at night, what safety measures should one take?

When driving, you must always use your full headlights. Your dipped headlights must be used continuously when travelling at the maximum legal speed limit. To see as far ahead as possible, you should travel at the maximum permitted speed with your headlights fully on.

2. What are some ways drivers may shield their eyes from incoming high beams?

Simply looking down at the right side of the road may help you maintain your eyesight for longer. Keep your eyes on the lane's edge or the painted line designating the lane's boundary until the vehicle has passed. You should keep your eyes moving and try not to stare fixedly at the area directly in front of your car that is illuminated by your headlights.

3. Is nighttime driving as safe as daytime driving?

Since the risk of an accident increases dramatically after dark, it is wise to drive more cautiously and slowly than you would during the day. Don't forget to take breaks regularly. This is important to remember if you are travelling a long distance, but more so when you travel at night.

4. How many hours of nighttime driving would be deemed unsafe?

Daily driving time, including breaks, shouldn't exceed nine hours. The National Safety Council suggests taking a 45-minute break every 4.5 hours on the road. This means you can cover a distance of around 500 miles daily without stopping for any reason.

5. What should I do if I have to go home after having a drink at night?

You can either stay at the place you remain or ask your driver to take you home. Safety is vital as drunk driving, particularly when the vision remains low at night, could lead to accidents and cause health and financial issues.

Car Insurance banner
Car Insurance

Starting at only ₹6 per Day*

Enter your details to buy Car Insurance
By proceeding you agree to Terms & Conditions
Proceed without car number