Do you know the probability of accidents when driving at night compared to driving during the day? According to a survey by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE), the probability of traffic accidents at night is more than three times that of daytime.
Of course, in addition to factors such as insufficient light and the driver's poor judgment, the clarity of road markings also greatly affects the safety of night driving. I believe everyone must have had such an experience. When driving at night, they will deviate from the lane because the road markings are not clear enough, and even some dangerous situations will occur. Due to the poor light when driving at night, the driver's judgment of the traffic environment will drop sharply, and most humans are accustomed to the physiological characteristics of sleeping at night, resulting in the concentration and mental state of driving at night being far less than that during the day.
1. Slow down and drive at a low speed
Nighttime crashes are more likely to be speed-related, accounting for 37% of nighttime fatalities compared to 21% of daytime fatalities. Reduced visibility and increased reaction time make speeding at night more dangerous. For example, your headlights will typically only illuminate 160 feet ahead, but at 40 mph, it may take you up to 190 feet to stop. Always adjust your speed to suit road conditions and visibility.
2. Avoid narrow roads
Narrow two-lane or one-lane roads are particularly dangerous at night because they have difficult roads, sharp curves and hills. Headlights from oncoming vehicles can add glare, further impairing visibility. Try to choose safer and wider routes, such as highways and multi-lane roads for night driving.
3. Don't drive while tired
Traffic accidents caused by fatigue driving most often occur between midnight and 6 a.m. and between 3 p.m. (or 2 p.m. and 4:17 p.m.), which are the two peak hours of driver physiological sleepiness in a day. Also be aware that there may be drowsy drivers on the road during this time and keep a safe distance from them. Have some coffee; pull over in a safe place to rest, or stop for the night; turn on the radio and sing your favorite songs; roll down the windows regularly to get some fresh air.
4. Be cautious and drive safely
Whether it's ourselves or others, the risk of drunk driving is greater after dark, with fatal crashes involving the influence of alcohol occurring at nearly four times the rate at night compared to during the day. Of course, you should never drink and drive (or drive distracted) at any time; but at night, it's best to maintain a highly alert defensive driving instinct (Topsafe has written a corresponding article, click to view).
5. Car hygiene
It's no joke, a dirty or damaged windshield will scatter light and can increase the effects of glare. Meanwhile, dirty or damaged headlights reduce visibility and cast glare onto oncoming drivers. A dirty rearview mirror will affect your ability to observe the movements of vehicles behind you in a timely manner. Therefore, clean your headlights, windshield, and rearview mirrors regularly; you can use a special headlight cleaning kit.
6. Maintain good sight and lighting
It is vital to test the usability of all of your vehicle's lights, including low beams, high beams, turn signals, brake lights, and daytime running lights. Make sure your headlights are on in low visibility conditions such as rain, snow, or fog. Having properly functioning headlights not only improves your visibility, but it also ensures that others can see you on the road. High beams are often underestimated, especially on country roads or highways with little traffic. When used properly, high beams can significantly improve your visibility. However, be sure to turn it off when approaching another vehicle within 500 feet to avoid blinding other drivers. Do not use high beam when following a vehicle. Consider vehicles with adaptive headlights, which automatically adjust based on traffic conditions. As you age, your eyes may become more sensitive to glare, which can make nighttime driving more difficult. Be sure to have regular eye exams to monitor your vision, and discuss with your optometrist whether your prescription needs to be adjusted for nighttime driving. When driving at night, avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights. Instead, shift your eyes to the right side of the road, using the lane markings as a guide. This will help prevent being temporarily blinded by oncoming traffic. After the oncoming vehicle passes, return your eyes to the road ahead. Bright dashboard lights can distract you and make it harder to see the road, especially at night. Dim the interior lights so that essential controls are still visible but not distracting. Many modern cars have a feature that automatically dims the rearview mirror in response to headlights coming from behind, which can help reduce glare.
7. Be careful of wild animals
Collisions with animals are more common at dusk and night. If you spot an animal's glowing eyes in your headlights, slow down immediately and be prepared to stop. Turning can be dangerous, so it is better to stop safely rather than try to avoid the animal by veering off course.