While the festivities may be done and dusted, dark nights are here to stay for a while longer.
Many drivers, even experienced ones, don’t feel comfortable driving at night. In fact, many road collisions occur within the house of darkness. From reduced visibility to impaired judgment, driving at night poses unique challenges for those behind the wheel. Even though winter solstice may be behind us now, the dark nights will stay for a while. Check out these useful, and even life-saving, tips.
Time and Space
The most obvious difference between driving in the daytime and driving at night is the decreased visibility. Drivers can’t see as far down the road, so hazards often feel as though they come from nowhere. With this in mind, it’s best to slow down, drive at a steady pace, and leave plenty of following room.
Lights
Lights are vital at night, so it’s worth ensuring that your headlights and brake lights are in good working order. Be sure to turn your lights on before it gets dark, as dusk can arrive quickly and it’s important that you stay bright and are seen. Only use your full beam lights when you are not behind or approaching vehicles.
Scan the Road
Don’t just stay focused on one place – keep scanning the road ahead. Even if you know the route well, animals may be roaming and other drivers may suddenly brake if they see a hazard. Being aware of what is ahead can offer drivers more time to react to any eventuality.
Tiredness
The body’s natural rhythms mean that nighttime is when it’s time for relaxing and sleep. Nighttime drivers, therefore, need to be aware of the dangers of tiredness behind the wheel. If you start to feel drowsy, pull over and grab a cup of coffee. Even better, pull over for a short nap. Either way, it’s important that you get off the road until you feel more alert.
To get the right car insurance for winter and beyond, contact Lou Aggetta Insurance Services, serving Pleasant Hill and surrounding cities in California to get started!