Ideas For Safer Night Driving

Daylight savings time has hit, and with it, we see the sun set earlier and earlier every day. Many of us know how tricky it can be to drive at night compared to doing so during daylight hours. So it should come as no surprise that most accidents happen at night and on weekends.

To help you avoid accidents and stay safe on the road, we have a few tips and ideas for safer night driving that start before you even get in your vehicle.

Vehicle Cleanliness

One of the best things you can do is to ensure that your mirrors and windshield are as clean as they can be before you enter your vehicle. Dirt can significantly reduce your ability to see. Clean the inside and outside of the windows, too.

Vehicle Maintenance

Next, make sure that you have an ample amount of fluid in your car and that your windshield wipers are in proper working order. Even if there isn’t any rain, the wipers can still prove useful. Your vehicle can get hit with debris from another car or the road, or you may have to travel on a muddy or dusty road that can result in buildup on your windshield.

You also need to see to it that your headlights and taillights are working and also spotless. Even a small layer of mud can dim your lights.

Finally, check the angle of your headlights. Did you know that they can become misaligned over time? Make sure they are angled properly so you can see the road ahead of you. Browse the owner’s manual for your vehicle to learn how to do this.

Turn The Lights On

While this might seem like a no-brainer, you should always have your lights on when driving at night. Many people tend to wait too long to turn their headlights on. It is recommended that you do so at least half an hour before dusk. The headlights should be turned on in rainy weather as well when visibility may be less than ideal.

Be Alert And Focused

It can be harder to see pedestrians and other obstacles during the nighttime, especially if they are wearing dark-colored clothing or painted a dark color. You may find that animals dart out more readily at nighttime too. Stay focused and alert when driving at night, and be aware that these obstacles may be present at any time.

Slower Speeds

Unless you are dealing with an emergency, there is no need to rush while driving. When you have lower visibility, you want to slow down a bit because of your reduced reaction times. Also, be sure to leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you in case you need to stop quickly.

With a bit of extra precaution, you will find that you can stay much safer on the roadways while driving at night. In addition to following our tips, you should ensure that you have a car insurance policy with the coverage you need should you get into an accident.

Contact us

To request more information on car insurance and to get the best coverage for your circumstances, contact Panorama Insurance Agency today at 818-781-6630