10 Tips For Driving Safely At Night

Night time driving is dangerous and accidents during the night are on an all-time high. Here are some tips on how to drive safely once the sun goes down:

1. When in doubt, turn your lights on: As nightfall begins to set, it is always advisable to turn your headlights on. Although you may not need the headlights to see, it will make it easier for other drivers to see you.
2. Slow down: Exercise caution while driving at night and drive slower than you would during the day. Visibility is much lower during the night and thus it will take more time to react to traffic or any other obstacle.
3. Be wary of drunk drivers: During the night, there is a very high risk of encountering drunk drivers, so keep an eye out for erratic drivers and steer away from them.  
4. Avoid using gadgets: This rule applies for daytime driving as well but it must be followed especially in the night. Losing concentration or focus on the road due to your cell phone may cause you to have less awareness of your surroundings and lead to slower reaction time.
5. Keep your eyes moving: There is a possibility of zoning out while driving, so keep your eyes moving and try and scan the road for oncoming obstacles, check your mirrors and try to remain conscious of your surroundings. Staring at the middle of the road may lull you into a state of reduced awareness. 
6. Give Your Windshield a Wipe With Newspaper: Windshields that appear clean during the day may not be so at night. Try using newspaper to remove the stains. Avoid cleaning the stain with your hands as that will only make it worse. 
7. Clean and Adjust Your Exterior Mirrors: Dirty mirrors reflect the lights from cars behind you in a diffused shape that produces a glare in your eyes, so clean your exterior mirrors regularly. Aim the exterior mirrors so that you can avoid the path of lights reflected in them.
8. Keep Your Eyes Healthy: Keep your eyes healthy by getting regular checkups, especially if you’re nearing your 40s. Your eyes are accustomed to the dim lights of the road ahead so avoid staring at bright lights. If you wear glasses, be sure to use antiglare lenses.   
9. Watch for animals, especially in rural areas: While driving in rural areas, be on alert for wandering animals. It can be difficult to see animals in poorly lit streets or while driving at high speeds but you can often see the light reflected in its eyes from much farther away. If you see two closely-spaced glowing dots in the darkness up ahead, slow down. Be on the lookout for any animal crossing signs posted near the road and lower your speed accordingly.
10. Practice daytime precautions: Although pretty obvious, you should take all normal driving precautions during the night. Remember to fasten your seatbelt, follow traffic rules, check and adjust your mirrors and focus on driving.

In conclusion, always take extra precautions while driving at night and following these tips will surely help you have a better nocturnal journey.