January Driving in the Dark

Driving at night is far more hazardous that driving during the day; A National Safety Council study revealed that you are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident at night than during the day. This is because our vision changes at night. It is more difficult for us to see clearly (20/20 vision is nearly impossible to sustain); we are unable to see colors; our depth perception decreases; and our field of vision is reduced.

How to compensate for this? First, slow down, as you’re less likely to see hazards that may cross your path, such as animals, bicyclists, pedestrians, etc. Low beams provide around 250 feet of vision, while high beams provide about 350-500. In order to avoid any obstacles in your path, you’ll need to be able to stop within this distance.

Since you see contrast less clearly at night, you won’t spot bumps in the road as easily. Keeping a slower speed will allow you to react to any unexpected contours in the road. You’ll also want to keep your eyes moving, checking for approaching lights, obstacles, etc.

Glare is also another major issue when driving at night (as well as during sunset and sunrise.) The lights of approaching cars can cause a couple seconds of temporary blindness. To avoid glare, make sure to keep your windshield clean. Next, avoid using your high beams within 500 feet of approaching vehicles or if you are following a car at less than 500 feet distance. If another driver accidentally approaches with high beams on, don’t flash your high beams in response, as this could temporarily blind the other driver. Instead, look down and to the right, focusing on the white line at the side of the road. Many cars also have a “day-night” setting on the rear view mirror. You can use this to help reduce the accumulation of glare at night.

Having your headlights aligned during your next tune-up or inspection will also help to ensure you are safe in your car at night. Try to do so at least once a year. Properly aligned headlights will improve your field of vision and won’t cause as much glare for other drivers.

Drive slowly, be aware, and don’t be a deer caught in the headlights of approaching drivers!

To read more on a broad range of subjects from “How To Change A Tire” to “How To Jumpstart Your Car”, visit DefensiveDriving.com’s Safe Driver Resources website!