Driving in the Dark: Tips to Stay Safe
Driving at night or early morning means reduced visibility, a higher risk of drowsiness and distraction, and other hazards. In most parts of the US, especially during Northern Michigan’s long winters, means that driving in the dark safely is a critical skill. Make sure all the drivers in your home follow these night driving safety tips to get where they’re going safely year-round.
Is Driving at Night More Dangerous?
Driving at night and in the dark is statistically more dangerous according to several studies, including data from the National Safety Council and other sources.
About 50% of all traffic fatalities occur in the dark, despite only 25% of driving happening at night.
Night driving has higher rates of dangerous driving behavior, including speeding, impaired driving, and driver fatigue.
The danger is even more pronounced for teens; 44% of fatal crashes involving teens occur between 9 pm and 6 am. There are also some seasonal variations, with more fatal crashes occurring between 8 pm and midnight in the spring and summer. During the fall and winter months, fatalities occur earlier, usually between 4 pm and 8 pm.
Whenever possible, it’s smart to avoid driving during these high-risk times, especially in unfamiliar areas. Parents should consider restricting teen driving during these periods to essential travel only.
Read More: The Basic Car Maintenance Checklist
Tips for Driving at Night (Or in the Dark
Driving a car at night shouldn’t be intimidating, but you should take extra precautions to ensure everyone gets home safely.
Don’t drive tired. Driving tired slows your reaction time and concentration, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. Only drive at night when you feel well rested, and consider adding a little caffeine, upbeat music, and fresh air to keep yourself alert.
Avoid two-lane highways. These roads tend to be high-speed, less traveled, and have an increased risk of head-on collisions. Stick to larger roadways as often as possible to avoid the risk of encountering deer and wildlife, navigating windy roads, and dealing with headlight glare.
Maximize visibility. Make sure your windshield and mirrors are clean to minimize glare. You should always keep your windshield wipers in good shape and top off your wiper fluid before driving at night or on a long road trip.
Check your interior lights. Internal light sources distract your eyes and cause irregular glare, which makes it harder to focus on the road. Turn off all unnecessary interior lights; if the kids are using screens, ask them to dim the display or turn them off completely if it becomes an issue.
Use your high beams. Use your high beams whenever the road is clear of oncoming traffic. You can get more out of your low beams by checking your headlight angles. If you can’t adjust them yourself, schedule an appointment, and we’ll be happy to help you out!
Slow down. Aside from vehicle maintenance and keeping yourself free from distraction, speed is the only other variable drivers can control. If you need to go slightly below the speed limit to react to road hazards or feel safe, do it; you’re keeping yourself and other drivers safe. Try to maintain a three-second gap between yourself and the car ahead of you; this is a good idea day or night, but it’s even more important in the dark.
Keeping Traverse City Drivers Safe for Over 40 Years
Garfield Auto is committed to keeping Northern Michigan moving. We take exceptional pride in offering reliable automotive repairs and friendly customer service at a fair price. We work on all makes and models, combining modern training and old-fashioned service. Trust your vehicle to Garfield Auto; call (231) 929-3862 or schedule an appointment today.