We’re a little over a month into the end of day light savings and it’s fair to say that most people are still trying to adjust to the time change. No matter how well or how safe you think you can drive, driving at nighttime always poses many challenges. Because of this, it’s a good idea to keep some safety tips in mind to make sure that you avoid any mistakes that can lead to an accident. Here are 5 tips for safely driving at night!
Stay Awake – This may be a very obvious tip, but you’d be surprised at how many people think they’re good to drive and then end up falling asleep at the wheel. Sitting still in dark environments naturally makes us sleepy, so it’s important to keep your mind moving to prevent dozing off. You can do this by chewing gum or ice, opening your windows or singing along to a great track on the radio.
Make Good Use of Headlights – This is another obvious, but vital point that ensures your safety while driving at night. Do whatever is necessary to make sure your headlights are operating effectively. Replace your bulbs, clean them and test their levels so that you can see the road in front of you as well as all of the other drivers around you.
Keep Your Distance – Try to avoid tailgating the car in front of you as much as possible while driving at night. Depending on how close you are, your headlights could serve as a distraction to the driver in front of you and may blind their mirrors. Also, your visibility is lessened during the nighttime even with headlights, so it’s better to regulate your speed and drive defensively so you’re ready for a quick reaction.
Stay Alert – Distractions pose a serious threat to your safety during the day and it’s only intensified at night. Make sure that you stay off your cell phone and give the road and other drivers your full-undivided attention. With your visibility impaired, your chance of having an accident with your eyes off of the road is increased greatly at night.
Check and Use Signals – Signal and break lights are a key component to notify other drivers of your actions at night. Without them, they won’t know when you’re stopping or turning in the pitch black of night. Inspect your lights to make sure that they’re all working properly so that you can avoid any incident down the line.
The holidays are a great time to make sure that all of your insurance needs are up-to-date. Give us a call to have an agent make sure that your auto insurance has the right amount of coverage for your family and your needs. We can also ensure that you are getting the best rate for your policy. You might even qualify for additional discounts, especially if you have your home insurance with us.
We hope that these tips find you well and keep you safe during the upcoming months!