5 Safety Driving Tips at Night

Driving at night can be a nerve-racking experience especially for new drivers. It is harder to see traffic signs at night, and it requires extra caution and attention to the road. According to the National Safety Council, the traffic death rates are also higher at night than the day.

Although there are street lights available to guide drivers, the semi-darkness can still be intimidating for others. There are also dimly-lit streets which can make it more challenging for new drivers.

Driving at night is undeniably more dangerous than driving during the day. Unfortunately, some people have no choice due to their circumstances. 40% of crashes occur when the sun goes down. Although this number is alarming, there are still ways for you to avoid getting involved in a serious accident when you’re driving at night.

Here are some safety driving tips you can follow when you find yourself needing to drive during the evening hours.

1. Practice defensive driving

The best way to avoid getting involved in car accidents is to practice defensive driving. Although driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in all states, there are still irresponsible drivers that drunk drive at night.

Watch out for signs of DUI drivers around you to avoid getting into accidents with them. Report any suspicious drivers as well. Through defensive driving, your observational skills are also heightened. Watch out for traffic signs, animals, pedestrians, and unexpected road bumps that are harder to see in the evening.

2. Check your lights and windshields.

Before traveling, make sure that you check both your headlights and taillights. Are they working properly? Make it a habit to check your turn signals as well.

If you notice that your headlights are dirty, clean them. It’s vital to properly use your headlight and tail lights, especially in the dark. Make it a habit to regularly clean your windshield; a dirty windshield can potentially disrupt your vision when driving.

3. Keep your distance

Avoid tailgating as much as possible. It’s very dangerous to be too close to another vehicle, especially during the evening hours when it’s hard to see. Remember to use the three-second rule to gauge your distance.

There should be at least a three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. It’s important to practice this if the car in front of you suddenly hits the brake, you will have enough time to react by practicing the three-second rule.

4. Reduce your speed

The golden rule of driving is always to follow the speed limit, this is especially important when you’re driving at night. At night, it’s harder to see if there is an oncoming vehicle on your way. When you’re speeding, you won’t have enough time to stop, resulting in a major traffic collision.

Accidents caused by speeding often result in catastrophic damages, and fatal injuries as the force of the impact can severely damage one’s car and seriously wound the occupants inside of it.

5. Do not be afraid to use high beams.

High beams can seriously come in handy if you are driving in rural areas with minimal light. Don’t be afraid of using them if you are the only vehicle around. Isolated regions tend to have minimal lighting, which can make it challenging to drive at night.

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators encourages drivers to use high beams if there are no other motorists around. If you see a vehicle approaching you, dim your high beams immediately, which may distract the other driver. Avoid using high beams if you are following another car as well.

New vehicles in the market have adaptive lighting systems capable of adjusting your car’s lights if a vehicle is approaching. If you are looking for a new car, you can opt for one with an adaptive lighting system, as this may come in handy if you drive during the night often.

If you find yourself caught in a car accident, contact a California car accident attorney immediately.

The stress can be overwhelming after an accident. When you know your rights and responsibilities and do everything right, it’s easier. But that won’t stop crooks from trying to scam you. And it won’t stop California car insurance companies from trying to settle for as little as possible. That is their job.

A California car accident lawyer can help you work with them or even work with them for you. That will ensure you get what you deserve after a car accident. A free consultation will unload that overwhelming feeling of things beyond your control. A car accident is not just an insurance problem. It is always a legal problem. That is because your car insurance policy is a legal document and contract.

Anything you say or do before, during, or after a car accident can become legalese as well. Know your rights. Know that we are here to help. The attorneys at Arash Law have been fighting for car accident victims’ rights for decades. We’ve recovered over $200 million for victims in San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Irvine, Sherman Oaks, Riverside, and California. Call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.