Driving at night is more of a challenge than many people think and it’s more dangerous.Traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day.
Ninety percent of a driver’s reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are all compromised after sundown.
Another factor adding danger to night driving is fatigue. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time. Help to minimize risks by preparing ahead and making use of the following tips:
SAFETY TIPS FOR NIGHT DRIVING
• Keep headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows clean.
• Have your headlights properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers.
• Don’t drink and drive, alcohol severely impairs your driving ability.
• Avoid smoking when you drive it may hamper night vision.
• If there is any doubt, turn your headlights on. Being seen is as important as seeing.
• Reduce your speed and increase your following distances.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• When following another vehicle, keep your headlights on low beams.
• Make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise.
• If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. Warn approaching traffic at once by setting up reflecting triangles near your vehicle and 300 feet behind it. Turn on flashers and the dome light. Stay off the roadway and get passengers away from the area.
References:
National Safety Council – Resources – Fact Sheet [online]
Safety Kits Plus – Car Emergency Kits, Auto Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Kits, First Aid Kits, Vehicle Safety Plus
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