Driving at night can be a challenge when the roads you’re traversing are not properly lit. You could be on the most rural of country roads or in a dense urban area that just doesn’t have the proper lighting, but the end result is the same: it’s more dangerous to drive in the dark. In fact, more than 1,000 crashes per year in the United States are caused by poor street lighting. However, it’s something you’re likely to have to do at some point, so here are tips for driving safely on poorly lit roads.
Take it Slow
This one is likely obvious, but if you aren’t able to see much of what’s going on around you, it’s wise to drive slowly. If there are any dangerous objects or people in the road, you likely won’t notice until they’re very close to you. The slower you’re going, the better chance you have to stop before you hit something. Going slow will also ensure you don’t dangerously drive through any crosswalks or intersections.
Eliminate Distractions
You should avoid distractions while driving at all times, but especially when you’re driving in the dark. Poor visibility means you’re going to need to be able to react quickly if you have to stop or swerve to avoid something. So, turn down the radio, put your phone down and save the snacks for when you arrive at your destination.
Create a Healthy Follow Distance
If there happens to be a car right in front of you, don’t follow it too closely. As we’ve covered, driving in the dark means you may have to stop on a dime. You don’t want to rear end someone because they had to stop suddenly. Give yourself enough distance so that you’ll have time to react if something happens.
Be Cautious with Your Headlights
If you’re driving for a long enough time in the dark, your eyes will start to adjust. When another car passes you from the opposite direction, don’t look directly at their lights, as that can temporarily affect your vision. Similarly, you should not use your high beams in this situation as this can blind other drivers.
Be Extra Alert for Pedestrians
This may again be obvious, but at night pedestrians can be hard to see, and even more so if they are wearing dark clothing. There is an additional problem for vehicle drivers in that pedestrians tend to have a “I can see them, so surely they can see me” thought process. So, be aware of this as a driver, and try and resist this when YOU are the pedestrian!
Unfortunately, accidents can happen regardless of how safe you are. If this happens to you, 4N6XPRT Systems can set you up with an accident construction report. Our forensic accident reconstruction and investigation software is highly accurate, providing you with the information you need for court, insurance, or other purposes. To learn more about our software and services, give us a call at 619-464-3478 today!