Avoid These Common Night Driving Mistakes for Safer Roads
Driving during late hours is a much more challenging task than driving during the daytime. Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, road rage, etc., are common issues that most drivers face at night. This may result in major mistakes that might put your and your passenger’s safety at risk. New vehicles have much brighter headlights that further impact your view by blinding you and making it difficult to spot obstacles.
Even the most experienced drivers find it difficult to navigate the streets at night. From poor visibility to misjudged distances, it is important to be aware of the common drawbacks of night driving and how to tackle them correctly. The article below lists some of the major night driving mistakes most drivers make and ways to avoid them to ensure a safer, smoother driving experience at night.
Night Driving Mistakes Every Driver Should Avoid
1. Driving with Improper Headlight Use
One of the major nighttime driving safety tips includes checking the vehicle headlights before getting behind the wheel. Misaligned or dirty lights can severely impact your visibility, increasing the chances of accidents and collisions. If your headlights lack proper alignment or if you’re using high beams while driving at night, it can blind other drivers, giving way to road accidents. Switching on high beams is recommended only on smooth and clear roads; however, if you see another vehicle approaching your direction, it is best to switch to low beams to prevent mishaps. Appropriate use of headlights ensures road safety at night.
2. Driving While Fatigued
Drowsy driving is one of the major contributors to road accidents. Avoid driving if you’ve had insufficient sleep or are too fatigued to concentrate on the road. Studies have shown that drowsy driving is said to be as risky as driving under the influence. If you’re tired or drowsy, pull over the vehicle and get some rest before you get back on the road. Night driving requires more concentration and alertness than daytime driving, and being fatigued impairs your ability to focus on the road, making driving a dangerous affair.
3. Not Addressing Poor Night Vision
Many individuals have a condition known as nyctalopia (poor night vision). This condition makes it hard to see clearly in low-light conditions, increasing the risk of driving at night. Not addressing such issues and continuing driving with improper vision can not only put your life at risk but also affect overall road safety at night. It is important to remember that as a driver, your responsibility does not end at ensuring personal and passenger safety; instead, it extends to ensuring overall public safety on the road.
4. Speeding on Dark Roads
Speeding has always been one of the major causes of road accidents, and at night, reduced traffic can make it more tempting to exceed the speed limits. However, it is best to drive slowly at night as you might never know what might happen. Emergencies can arise at any moment, causing you to brake abruptly, and doing so while at speed gives way to major accidents, leading to severe injuries and a potential threat to one’s life.
5. Neglecting Vehicle Maintenance
Do not neglect your vehicle maintenance. A properly maintained vehicle is key to good performance and enhanced safety. It not only makes the vehicle more reliable, but also better prepared for unpredictable situations.
6. Distracted Driving
Using electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, eating a snack or blasting loud music while driving can impair your ability to concentrate on the road, giving way to accidents and major mishaps. Such behaviours make it difficult to spot obstacles or listen to the sounds of other vehicles, thereby giving you less time to react to unexpected situations. While driving itself requires the use of multiple human senses, driving at night demands even greater sensory awareness due to reduced visibility. Staying alert and minimizing distractions is crucial to ensure a smoother and safer night driving experience.
7. Staring at Oncoming Vehicles
Staring at the headlights of oncoming vehicles can be highly risky while driving at night. Instead, it is recommended to focus your attention on your lane at all times. Use the available road marking as your guide to navigate dark roads and try wearing anti-reflective glasses to reduce the glare from the oncoming headlights.
8. Failing to Watch Out for Animals and Pedestrians
Night driving often involves encounters with various nocturnal animals, especially when travelling on highways or in large rural areas. Therefore, it is crucial to be extra vigilant and alert while driving at late hours. It is quite easy to miss out on a pedestrian or animal crossing the street in the dark. Give your eyes time to get accustomed to the reduced visibility and increase the following space to ensure optimal safety while driving at night.
Alertness Matters
As mentioned earlier, driving at night is a much more challenging task than driving during the day. Your attentiveness and alertness play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and secure night drive. Learn essential emergency responses to always be prepared to handle any unforeseen situations. Knowing how to handle an emergency and what steps to take during a breakdown or an accident not only reduces risks but also ensures that the passengers feel secure and protected during critical situations.
Conclusion
Remember, safety always comes first. As drivers, it is your duty to ensure that you do not indulge in any practices that can put your life and that of others at risk. Try avoiding these above-mentioned night driving mistakes and follow the necessary safety protocols to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience. Take sufficient breaks when needed and avoid getting behind the wheel when you experience even the slightest discomfort or fatigue, as this small mistake could cost someone their life. Driving is more than just a skill; it is a responsibility towards yourself, your passengers and all other road users. Drive safe, stay safe!
FAQs
- What are the most common mistakes drivers make at night?
Some of the most common mistakes drivers make at night are using high beams, listening to loud, distracting music and ignoring signs of fatigue or tiredness while driving.
- Why is night driving more dangerous than daytime driving?
Night driving includes problems like reduced visibility, fatigue, increased risk of collisions, overspeeding, etc., which makes it more dangerous than daytime driving.
- How can I reduce glare from headlights at night?
Try not to look straight at oncoming vehicles or wear anti-reflective glasses to reduce the glare.