A clean windshield goes a LONG way in helping you see better driving at night. This makes the selection process taxing and time-consuming, especially for first-time buyers. Reducing the speed will let you focus better on the road better. 3. So leave that phone out of sight and dont fiddle with the radio after dark its not worth it. Help yourself stay awake by keeping the inside of the car cool and putting on some interesting podcasts. 4. I wish every driver had to take a safety driving class yearly. Research suggests that teens should have 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Fatigued drivers are three times more likely to be in a car accident, and losing only two hours of sleep has the same effect on driving as drinking three beers. Although you should not be afraid to drive at night, you should respect the increased level of danger of nighttime driving. If you take all of these things into consideration, you will be more likely to have a safe and uneventful nighttime driving experience. 5. Night driving requires more concentration. Additionally, take into account the weather and conditions when deciding on your speed. Bring healthy snacks and plenty of water, 9. While driving at night, you must also be careful about unknown animals suddenly popping on the road. But there are some extra things you can do . While the road can be dangerous at any time, studies show that driving is more dangerous after the sun goes down. West Perth, Western Australia, 6005. Its risky to divert your focus from the road for any reason, whether its texting, adjusting the radio, or eating. Clean Up Your View. Pro-tip: Inspect your headlights regularly. Despite how hard it is driving in the snow for the first time, there's no need to panic if you go into a skid. 2. Driving at night you should keep headlights at low beam. 4. If youre in the market for a new car, Rader recommends looking for adaptive lighting systems that automatically adjust your high beams depending on the presence of other cars. If you know you will have to drive in the dark, have some sleep in the afternoon; if you can't, then at least make sure you get enough sleep the night before. According to the National Safety Council, only one quarter of our driving is at night, however 50% of traffic deaths happen at night. This will reduce the glare from oncoming cars and should avoid sharp curves and steep hills, as well. When you have both cataracts and astigmatism, it doubles your trouble driving at night . That said, also make sure you keep your mirrors clean and have them pointed in a direction that will make it easier for you to see but also lose any glare, if possible. So this short video has tips and advise on driving at night for the first time either as a learner. 2. When you drive at night, you need to be vigilant for more than just yourself. Let's take a look. But unfortunately, its not just drunk drivers that can put you in danger in the wee hours of the night. Driving at night tends to be much riskier than daytime driving, so it's worth reducing your speed and taking your time. Speeding-related crashes account for 37 percent of nighttime-driving fatalities, says NHTSAcompared with 21 percent of those during daylight hoursdue to lower visibility and shorter reaction times. Dip your lights for oncoming cars or when following other cars. At night you really get tunnel vision and all your senses are intensified, everything looks different and vision is only where the lights are shinning, this gives a slight eerie feel. Driving at night does take more skill than during the day and practice will help. Keeping your eyes on the road can be a challenge at night, but you have to accept that and maintain . Drive during your regular hours, avoiding prime sleep times (midnight-6 a.m. and late afternoon). Here are 12 tips that could help reduce the risk. This danger is compounded by aggressive driving habits . Light from oncoming vehicles high-beams might obscure other drivers view, making it hard to not just see the road, but difficult to see anything at all. Are they functioning correctly? There are lots of great campgrounds around WA. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Road Trip Expert is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associations Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Take long, relaxing breaths. Keep Headlights on Low Beam. For more information about our services, please click here. 8. Transformative. Night driving can be dangerous. Aspen learns how to drive at night! The problem of drowsy driving: A study done by the AAA Foundation found that a person is more at risk for a crash with the less sleep they get. However, this is a much more dangerous situation in the dark, especially if you have to pull over on the highway. When they do, you need to restore your vehicle (and your peace of mind) as soon as possible. Life happens, and sometimes we cant avoid having to pull over to the side of the road. While theyre great for increasing your visibility, they can actually. Distracted driving is even more dangerous at night because your reaction speeds are already down even while alert, meaning if youre distracted, your reaction time hits an all-time low. Are You Driving Drowsy? visibility for others on the road. We already mentioned how there's less light available at night for you to spot possible hazards. So make sure you inspect your seat belts straps as well as the buckles regularly. These statistics arent meant to scare you out of, , theyre meant to educate you about the dangers on the road after dusk. Sometimes even the best-planned road trips will require some long stretches of night driving. Driving at night can be more dangerous because you may experience tiredness or fatigue. 3. Because here is a huge collection of the best First Time Driving Captions. on Driving in the Dark: How to Drive at Night, If youve noticed that youre more tense when, , youre not alone. to happen at night than during the day. Additionally, take into account the weather and conditions when deciding on your speed. Have some caffeine, pull over in a safe area to get some rest, or stop for the night. 2022 The Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc.). Today, well cover some of the most common hazards you may face after dark and discuss tips for, is dangerous is obvious: humans dont see as well in the dark. Adjusting your sleep schedule by 10 minutes a night before DST ends can help with daylight savings time driving . A comprehensive eye exam will identify eye diseases and conditions that may reduce your vision in the dark. Driving at night off-road is all about lights, lights, more lights and your mate's lights! As many as 16% of those who were surveyed went as far as to say they would avoid driving at night altogether as a result of headlight glare. It's essentially a fancy goggles that you wear as you drive through night while also wearing a full-face helmet. Its not just paranoia: Driving at night is actually more dangerous. See if you can pass this road-safety quiz, including when to use your horn, high beams and more. if you are driving somewhere new). Cataracts and other degenerative eye conditions can impair vision, which is a severe risk for elderly drivers and others on the road. Cataracts and other degenerative eye conditions can impair vision, which is a severe risk for elderly drivers and others on the road. First, no matter what time of day it is, if you have reduced vision, be sure to give yourself extra time for the trip. Make sure to turn off your high beams as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle. About one-fifth (13%) of drivers from this same study admit to nodding off at the wheel. Put the phone down, take breaks and focus on the road. so yesterday i drove on the highway at night for the first time and honestly it was kinda scary. Driving at night for the first time, or under any different conditions for that matter, can be a little confronting. A yearly eye exam is a must, as eyeglass prescriptions change and, . Changing light conditions can cause impairment of vision and depth perception. Collisions with deer often happen at dusk or at night and are more common from October to January. Don't drive if you've been awake for 16 hours or more. Distracted driving causes an average of 3000 accidents per year. Dim the interior lights at night, so that critical controls remain easily visible but not distracting, he recommends. i dont have problems driving in the morning but its so different at night. This will give you more time to spot any hazards and react. In perfect conditions, you should leave 3 seconds between you and the car in front of you. Check the position of your rear vision mirror. Yes. Drowsiness and driving are a formula for disaster, yet according to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, 37% of American adults have nodded off while behind the wheel. . Stage 2: Intermediate license After c It is important to visit your eye doctor as the first sign of night vision problems, so eye diseases can be detected and treated as early as possible. Here's a closer look at some of the top reasons you might be nervous about hitting the road at night: 1. Here is a short guide for drowsy driving prevention: Also be aware of other nighttime drivers who might be experiencing the same feelings of fatigue while on the road after a long day at work or school. In fact, fatal accidents are 3x more likely to happen at night than during the day. Avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights - they can blind your vision. The following tips will assist you in making your after-dark drive safer. When this is absent, it becomes a problem for you while driving at night. If you know you have a long night of driving ahead of you, make sure you get a full nights sleep the day before. The . Union Leasing's priority as a fleet management company is not only to get the vehicles quickly and cost efficiently to our partners, but it is also to continue to monitor the safety and well-being of the fleet throughout the duration of the lease. It is estimated by the National Safety Council in the U.S. that traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day. While you cant control how much sleep other people get, the best way to protect yourself from drowsy drivers is to not become one yourself. Here are 12 tips that could help reduce the risk. While this isnt necessarily a driving tip, its an important part of staying safe on the road. The truck must be equipped with a good APU or second A/C and please watch for the deers. Learn the stats about common violations and just how important it is to drive defensively. There are fewer trucks on the road, especially in areas where there are regulations that limit the hours that truck drivers should be driving. Use High Beams When Appropriate. Plan plenty of rest stops to boost your energy and catch yourself before you get too sleepy. If possible, travel via four-lane or divided highways if you must drive at night. Dirty or damaged windshields can scatter light and potentially increase the effects of glare, according to NHTSA. Because your reaction time is slower than it is in daylight, a lower speed is prudent when driving at night. So make sure you inspect your, Trust Safety Restore, the leading post-accident restoration service, to get your car back into tip-top shape after an accident. For example, in order to see clearly at night, a driver aged 50 may require twice as much illumination as a driver aged 30. As we discussed earlier, drowsy driving accidents. This is incredibly dangerous as it can lead you to miss important signs or information. Combat Fatigue. Fatigue: Many people have a hard time staying awake when driving at night. I also give the passenger a title driver assistance. We do so much driving in our day-to-day lives that its easy to get behind the wheel and go on autopilot. Close. But where exactly does the danger lie? The NHTSA offers these tips for remaining alert on the road: 4 . It is dangerous. Its dangerous for everyone on the road when drivers are sleepy. A dirty windshield or mirrors can easily obscure a great deal of detail. Read more:Heads Up! Full-time, temporary, and part-time jobs. I drive with my visor down at night. Stop for a rest at least every 2 hours. 1. We recognise the continuing connection to land, waters and community. Drowsy driving is one of the biggest threats of, . Your high beams can help you spot an animals glowing eyes. While they may feel like a small part of your vehicle, theyre arguably one of the most important. Let's start with your headlights. Thanks for the safe driving at night tips really do appreciate them they are very helpful . Keep your mind engaged by singing, talking aloud, or listening to audiobooks and podcasts. In the U.S. surgeons often do this surgery when they see a . The time of day or night truck drivers choose to operate is their choice based on availability of driving hours. But where. Lets take a look at how to drive at night and some ways you can stay safe. Driving at night: Driving during the day: 1. According to the reports, road accidents mostly happen at midnight to 2 a.m, 4:00 to 6:00 in the morning, and 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon, or during the time you would assume drivers to be exhausted. Give it a once-over if necessary before setting off; it'll make your nighttime journey less stressful. In hard numbers, that equates to a staggering 18,429 lives lost due to night driving accidents. Bundle your auto & property. If you have just come out of your garage where a light was on, don't come thundering down the driveway the moment you get in the driving seat. When approaching an oncoming vehicle, avoid being blinded by its headlights by shifting your eyes down and to the right, using the right edge of the road or lane markings as a guide to stay on track. Also, locate the vehicle's cabin lights. driving at night. Of course, never get behind the wheel after drinking, no matter what time of day it is (dont drive while distracted either); but at night, its a good idea to put your defensive-driving instincts on high alert. Do traffic tickets actually deter bad driving behavior? When you keep the GEICO Mobile app on your phone, you can have easy access on the go to roadside help, digital ID cards and more. This tip isnt restricted to night driving anytime youre in a vehicle, you should be wearing a seatbelt (yes, even on that two-minute drive to the grocery store). Common signs its time to pull over include nodding off, frequent yawning, not remembering driving the last few miles, and drifting into lanes or rumble strips. Despite proof that seat belts reduce the risk of front seat passenger deaths by 45% and that seat belts save over 15,000 lives a year, many people continue to disregard seat belt laws. 4. Another aspect of what makes night driving more dangerous has nothing to do with you sometimes it has to do with other people on the road. Make sure your headlights are on even if you have automatic headlights. Dont high-beam oncoming drivers. Sign yourself up for a Free Trial On Audible Plus to listen to your favorite podcasts and audiobooks. Keep your eyes trained to what is happening around you. Also, locate the vehicles cabin lights. Sometimes, especially at night, it's more about watching for other driver's mistakes than having to worry about your own. While they may feel like a small part of your vehicle, theyre arguably one of the most important. Wonderful safety tips when driving at night. For example, your headlight typically shines 160 feet in front of you, but even at 40 mph, you need 190 feet to stop. You may also need a different prescription at night. But if they tilt too high, they can blind oncoming drivers. On a long drive, especially at night, we tend to get into a groove of just following the person in front of us. Weve got some great tips for driving at night to get you energized and ready for the journey ahead. In fact, fatal accidents are. Night driving is an essential part of motoring for most people, so if you have just passed your test do not keep putting off the day when you first drive in darkness. Driving-Tests.org is a privately owned website that is not affiliated with or operated by any state government agency. Leave space. 21) Drive Alert and Without Distraction. In fact, it's a good idea to have a few lessons after dark, because then you'll get more experience in driving under different conditions. The busiest driving time of the day is between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm Monday through Friday. 'Oblivion' by Grimes. Your eyes have light-sensitive cells called rods and cones, which transmit information down the optic nerve to your brain. I like to say thank you for the safety tips or updates. Less crazy drivers driving on the highways. Competitive salary. Be fully prepared in days, not weeks with Premium. Let's take a look at how to drive at night and some ways you can stay safe. I tried to salvage it by actually doing the turn into the gas station (gas station was abandoned) that was there, but I was a little too . While the road can be dangerous at any time, studies show that driving is more dangerous after the sun goes down. More crazy drivers during the day. 7. So be aware during these hours that there may be sleepy drivers on the roadand keep yourself alert. Driving at night for the first time, or under any different conditions for that matter, can be a little confronting. Make sure you regularly clean your headlights and keep spare bulbs handy. Weve compiled a list of 40 of the Best Podcasts for Road Trips which you will hopefully enjoy. Well give you free Standard Roadside Assistance for a year and up to two subsequent years for half price, Get an RAC Vehicle Inspection before you purchase your next car, 832 Wellington Street, When driving at night, high-beam headlights can be both a blessing and a curse. Having high beams and fog lights is just not enough! Take regular breaks, too. Just remember to dim them when youre within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle (so you dont temporarily blind the other driver), and dont use them if youre following another vehicle. RAC acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia. There are walloping numbers from around the globe of mishaps caused by restless driving during the evening. Do some shopping, too; it is good to have some caffeine sweets or canned ice coffee at . One reason behind the precarious nature of night driving is the change in how the eyes work in the dark. The vehicle's owner's manual will have information about where the apparatus to turn the lights on and off is located, as well as instructions on how to use the vehicle's high beams. If you have a teen driver in need of behind the wheel training, we can help. #7 + Quote Reply. Reconsider your need to drive. If you feel tired at all, pull over and stop the car. Keep in mind that while waiting for assistance, your vehicle is the safest place to be. driving at night. 2. Take the time to understand how to use them correctly. For most drivers, driving at night is unavoidable. While this isnt necessarily a driving tip, its an important part of staying safe on the road. A huge safety concern for many fleets is the . Consumers should go to their car dealer or a repair facility for assistance.. Reduce Your Speed and Increase Your Distance. For example, if its raining heavily, reduce your speed and increase your distance significantly. In the US, the first surgery was performed in 1878, and in the U.K. in 1910. Tweak Your Inside Lighting. Although you should prevent distractions while driving at any time of the day, driving at night requires even more focused attention. If the beams tilt down too much, youll lose some of the illumination you need while driving. The group also reports that dirty or damaged headlights can decrease your visibility and cast glare onto oncoming drivers. When you see them, the safest way to avoid an accident is by slowing down and stoppingnot by swerving. Be Extra Defensive. 4. Take our free sample driving test -- no registration required! Light from oncoming vehicles high-beams might obscure other drivers view, making it hard to not just see the road, but difficult to see anything at all. The reason being, nighttime visuals are less, and the reaction time can become slower as well. They should be turned on 1 hour before dusk or anytime during adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or snow. Knowing how to keep yourself and your passengers safe while driving at night will reduce stress and make the experience just another enjoyable driving experience. Never be in the dark when it comes to your auto insurance. 'Physical' by Dula Peep. While you cant control how much sleep other people get, the best way to protect yourself from drowsy drivers is to not become one yourself. Offering services ranging from. But there are some extra things you can do to prepare yourself for your first night drive. If you find yourself spacing out, getting angry/irritated, or unable to sit up straight, it is time to call it quits. Driving at night for the first time can be a bit strange. Take your time. Add 1 second for every negative condition, like driving at night or feeling a bit tired, and 2 seconds for poor weather, like rain or snow. The usual range of a vehicles headlight is 160 feet in front of the car. deaths are caused by speeding, compared to 21% during the day. 4. And make sure to use your headlights to stay visible; not only do you need to turn them on when its dark, but you should turn them on in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow and hail. So it's critically important that you use technology both to see and be seen. 1. Some states annual inspection tests include checking the headlight anglebut otherwise, take the initiative to make sure yours are pointed correctly. NHTSA reports that due to reduced visibility and slower reaction times, 37% of night time driving deaths are caused by speeding, compared to 21% during the day. If you begin to become sleepy while driving at night, immediately make arrangements for someone else to take the wheel. Its dangerous for everyone on the road when drivers are sleepy. While theyre great for increasing your visibility, they can actually reduce visibility for others on the road. 1. A yearly eye exam is a must, as eyeglass prescriptions change and night vision decreases as we age. Answer (1 of 5): A better way of thinking is: When should I use high beams? Fatigue also makes driving at night dangerous. The vehicles owners manual will have information about where the apparatus to turn the lights on and off is located, as well as instructions on how to use the vehicles high beams. Learn more about the definition of road rage, the primary causes of aggressive driving behavior, and safety tips to prevent road rage. Adjust your speed to take conditions like visibility into account, says Russ Rader of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). So we have collected the best First Time Driving Captions for you from various sources over the years. The short answer is yes. You are more likely to encounter a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at night time. So clean headlights and windshields regularly; you can use a special cleaning kit for headlights. Truck drivers should keep the following in mind: Keep your . The usual range of a vehicles headlight is 160 feet in front of the car. She forgot to take her drivers permit with her in the car, and passes three cops! Reset Your Circadian Rhythm. Plan plenty of rest stops to boost your energy and catch yourself before you get too sleepy. survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, reduce the risk of front seat passenger deaths by 45%, How Fast Does an Airbag Deploy? Your DEFAULT headlight position should be dipped, and high-beams only when absolutely necessary, on the open highway, with no traffic to be hit by your lights (that is, in front of you). Be aware that the dangers of driving are exaggerated after dark. Fatal accidents are three times more likely at night compared with the daytime, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For night driving you will need a very good eyes and a very good headlights. While you cant control other drivers, there are steps you can take to improve safety on the road in the dark. Have scheduled rest stops to catch yourself before you get too tired. Once you are sure that you and your vehicle are prepared for driving in the dark, follow the tips below to stay safe. Fatigue also plays a part in night-time struggles. Also, never use your high beams while driving behind another car. Trust Safety Restore, the leading post-accident restoration service, to get your car back into tip-top shape after an accident. The lenses of your eyes are normally clear. First things first: make sure your car's windshield, windows and mirrors are all clean before you set out on the road at night. The American Optometric Association reports that vision problems increase as people approach age 60, making driving more hazardous not just at night, but during the day as well. On average, more fatal crashes take place on weekend nights than at any . The Dangers of Night Driving. 2. If you're having trouble driving at night, it might be time to get a night driver. Visit our website to learn how we can restore your vehicle to safety today. Nice tips, especially number 5/10. Dream about driving at night is an evidence for the various aspects of your life that are invading your personal space. You'll have more time to react if something goes wrong if you drive slower. Of course, never get behind the wheel after drinking, no matter . Sit up straight and go on the defensive by giving way to other drivers, keeping an eye on the weather, and reducing distractions like cell phones. Take a deep, slow breath in and hold it for four counts, then slowly release the air through your mouth. Most accidents involving animals, especially deer, happen at night or very early in the morning. Road authorities agree that night driving presents unique challenges, increased risks and numerous deaths and injuries. If you have a long night drive ahead, plan stops along the way. It can take some time to reset your circadian rhythm. . There is less traffic. 1. While you should always keep your eyes on the road, avoid a fixed gaze and never stare at oncoming headlights, says Epstein. The, Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA. * Cell phone. Increase the distance between you and the car in front. Not only do you need to ensure youre wearing your buckled up all times, its important to maintain your seat belts. Keep these tips in mind when preparing for summer vacation and long drives to protect your car and keep your family safe. When you drive at night, you will notice that all street signs are reflective. Or, you can speak directly with Training Wheels owner Keith Cimaglia at (609-241-0118) Were going to make one more obvious statement: people get tired at night. If you are having a difficult time finding the best polarized night driving glasses, the following is our list of some of the best models you can choose from. This course is interesting and useful . Avoid driving if you are feeling fatigued. Be aware of driver fatigue. While you should not have any difficulty seeing street signs and road markers, you may have to pay special attention if you are driving in an unfamiliar area. reduces visibility for everyone around you, so make sure you can easily be seen from the road. Common sense says follow the same road rules as during the day. Do most OTR drivers drive at night or in the day My trainer thanks that we must drive at night when there is more than enough time to take our break at night and drive in the day It is very hard for me to go to bed @ 12pm and get up @ 10pm and then drive I would thank that you would like for someone that is driving for the first time to be driving in the day time When I get my truck I will be . Try not to focus your vision on one point for too long. Adopt a regular car washing schedule to make sure your . Make use of your high-beams. Need to practice for your upcoming exam? Even with headlights, it will be more difficult to see what is ahead of you on the road at night time. Safe driving in the dark doesn't depend on your eyesight only; you should also prepare yourself. When driving with distractions or drowsiness, your reaction time can be impacted. Reflective signs and road markers are better identified if you lower your speed, When blinded by headlights turn your head right and look at oncoming cars out of the corner of your eye, Having somebody to keep you company while driving at night is the best option. Help spread the word. While there are steps you can take to mitigate safety risks on the road after dark, accidents happen. These statistics arent meant to scare you out of night driving, theyre meant to educate you about the dangers on the road after dusk. You dont want to wait until you are nodding off at the wheel to quit; know your limits and stay safe. Driving at night without proper visual skills can be an obvious safety hazard. If you have just left a brightly lit area, your eyes can take a while to adjust. You need to show of your creative side. He will do so as an MVP candidate for the 7 . In 2019, more than half of traffic deaths in the US occurred between 6 PM and 6 AM. Email(Your email address will not be published). But the very first step in handling this situation is to find its root causes. A warm car on a dark night on a quiet road sends signals to your brain that it is time to go to sleep. Drinking and driving poses a bigger risk after dark, according to NHTSA, which has found that the rate of fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment is almost four times higher at night than during the day. Having a proper safety and emergency kit in the vehicle.