It isn't always possible to drive during the day, but many people don't enjoy driving after dark. When you do have to drive at night, you need to remember to follow basic safety rules. Some drivers neglect to do so. Any driver who is doing things in an unsafe manner can place others at risk of being injured.
Here are some tips that can help you remain safe when driving after daylight had faded:
Check the windshield
Dust or a film on the windshield can cause you to not be able to see clearly in the dark. Take the time to wipe it off before you head out. Using a newspaper can work in a pinch, or you can make a quick swipe with a microfiber or cotton cloth. Take care of the inside and outside of the glass. While you're at it, check the other windows and mirrors.
Choose proper glasses
The glare at night can make it hard to see. If you wear glasses, get ones with an anti-reflective coating. This can improve your vision and can help you to spot things that require you to take evasive actions.
Reduce lights in the vehicle
You don't have to have the brightness turned all the way up on the dashboard. Instead, dim the dashboard and instrument panel so that they don't cause you to become distracted as you drive. Additionally, don't allow people to use the interior lights in the vehicle when you are driving at night.
Watch for wildlife
It isn't always easy to spot wildlife at night. You need to look for the retinas of the animals, which have a reflective property that makes them a bit easier to see at night. While smaller animals won't cause much of a problem unless the driver has to swerve to avoid hitting them, larger animals like deer are more of a danger.
Avoid staring at oncoming headlights
The headlights from oncoming traffic can distract or hypnotize you to a degree. If you find that you are zoning out, it is time to try to find somewhere to rest. There is also a chance that the lights from vehicles behind you might have this effect through your rearview mirror. Some mirrors have a setting that can help to direct beams away from your eyes, so using it might be beneficial.
If you are involved in an accident at night, be sure that you are safe as you wait for emergency responders. Remember that you are harder to see at night. Keeping reflective cones or flares in your vehicle is beneficial in case you are in a wreck.
