Driving at night can be riskier than during the day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatal crashes are three times more likely at night, mainly due to reduced visibility. “You see less of the road ahead and have less time to react,” says Alex Epstein, a transportation safety expert with the National Safety Council. Surprisingly, overly bright headlights can sometimes make things worse by causing glare.
Beyond low visibility, other factors make nighttime driving trickier. Here are 12 friendly tips to help you stay safe and reduce risks on the road after dark:
Stay Extra Alert. NHTSA data shows you’re four times more likely to encounter a drunk driver at night than during the day. Never drive under the influence, and at night, keep an extra sharp eye out for other drivers’ behavior.
Fight Fatigue. Crashes due to drowsy driving are most common between midnight and 6 a.m. If you’re feeling sleepy, take a break, grab a coffee, or find a safe spot to rest.
Keep Your Windows and Headlights Clean. Dirty windshields can distort light and worsen glare, while dim headlights reduce visibility. Regularly clean your windshield and headlights with appropriate products to keep them sparkling.
Avoid Two-Lane Roads. Two-lane roads are often poorly lit, with sharp curves, hills, and blinding oncoming headlights. If possible, choose a better-lit, multi-lane route instead.
Slow Down. Speed is a factor in 37% of nighttime crashes, compared to 21% during the day. Remember, headlights only illuminate about 50 meters ahead, but at 60 km/h (37 mph), you need roughly 58 meters to stop completely.
Adjust Your Headlights Properly. Misaligned headlights can reduce your visibility or blind other drivers. Get them checked at a service shop to ensure they’re aimed correctly.
Use High Beams Wisely. High beams are great on dark, rural roads with no streetlights. Just remember to switch to low beams when an oncoming car is within 150 meters (about 500 feet).
Dim Your Dashboard. A too-bright dashboard can distract you from the road. Adjust the brightness so you can see the controls without losing focus on what’s ahead.
Look Ahead, Not at Lights. When an oncoming car’s headlights are in your eyes, avoid staring directly at them. Instead, shift your gaze to the right and use the road’s edge or lane markings as a guide.
Watch Out for Wildlife. Dusk and nighttime, especially in fall and winter, are prime times for animals to cross roads. Look for the reflective glow of their eyes in your headlights. If you spot one, slow down but avoid swerving sharply.
Check Your Vision. If night driving feels harder, visit an eye doctor for a checkup. You might need glasses specifically designed for nighttime driving.
Test Your Lights Regularly. Make sure all your lights—headlights, high beams, turn signals, and brake lights—are working properly. Use your headlights not just at night but also in bad weather like rain or snow.
By following these tips, you’ll make night driving a lot safer and less stressful. Want to take safety to the next level? Contact our experts for a great deal on car insurance and hit the road with confidence