Nighttime Driving Tips

Driving after dark is common for many folks...early risers and late night workers included.

The risks are many. Deer are crossing the street virtually unseen and soon will be producing offspring. A person could be riding a bike or walking along the edge of the road, hard to notice until you are right next to them. And, of course, it is hard to tell if a road is wet or icy. You don't want to spend your evening filing an auto insurance claim. For that reason, consider these tips for safer driving at night.

To be safe on the road, you need to realize risks are numerous. Even drivers with years of experience are more likely to be in an accident at night. Remember, depth perception is off at night. You cannot see color as well. And, your peripheral vision is likely to be low.

For these reasons, give yourself more room between your vehicle and other vehicles. You also want to slow down a bit. Just these two things give you the ability to avoid an accident. You have more room to react and stop.

It is easy to get in your car and just go. Before you do, check your headlights. Are they all working? Don't forget your turn signal and brake lights. Also, speak to your mechanic about their location. Be sure they aim directly out in front of the vehicle. This ensures you have ample visibility.

Dim your dashboard lights. Turn down the lights on any devices in the vehicle. When you make it darker in the vehicle, you do not have the glare outside. Interior lights should always be as low as possible. This gives you better vision outside.

If you wear glasses, talk to your eye doctor about nighttime driving. Many people have difficulty seeing well at night. Prescriptions can have an adjustment to them that allows for better driving at night and night glare-diminishing lenses are also available. You'll appreciate the difference and less glare.