There is absolutely no doubt that driving at night is more dangerous. Driving after dark poses a number of different challenges for drivers of all experience and skill levels. But unfortunately, nighttime driving is unavoidable for many drivers in Wisconsin and across the US. In fact, many people that travel by car prefer to do much of their driving at night because they have to deal with less traffic. Luckily, with a few safe driving tips and the extra layer of protection provided by comprehensive auto insurance, you can avoid many of the common risks associated with nighttime driving. Keep reading to learn more.
Stay Safe While Driving at Night with These Helpful Tips
Top Tips for Safe Nighttime Driving:
- Keep windows clean to avoid condensation buildup and increased glare
- Turn your headlights on at least one hour before dusk
- Avoid blinding others with your high beams and dip your lights for oncoming traffic
- Protect your eyes from oncoming headlights by looking down towards the lines in the road as a line of cars passes you by
- Get your eyes checked regularly to assess problems that may affect your night vision
- Be aware of other vehicles on the road and get into defensive driving more at night
- Keep your eyes peeled for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles
- Always allow plenty of time for your journey to prevent driving under pressure
- If possible, dim your dashboard light to reduce reflections and the possibility of reducing your night vision
Why is Eye Health Important for Nighttime Drivers?
While anyone can experience issues when driving at night, senior drivers have the most risk of experiencing poor visibility at night. This is just one of the reasons why maintaining your eye health is so important for safe driving. It is vital that all drivers get their eyesight checked regularly to catch common eye health and vision issues like glaucoma early on.
When Should I Turn My Headlights On?
As a good rule of thumb, it’s smart to turn your headlights on before sunset and keep them on well after sunrise as well. In fact, getting in the habit of switching your headlights on at least one hour before dusk is a great way to ensure that your path is always appropriately lit.
Proper care and maintenance are also important when it comes to your headlights. This means that you should replace burnt out bulbs as soon as possible and always change your headlights out in pairs. Just remember that if one headlight has burnt out, the other one is probably close behind.
Additionally, you should make sure that your headlights are positioned correctly. If you’re unsure in which direction they should be pointing, refer to your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for help. Lastly, proper headlight maintenance requires that your exterior lights are kept clean and free from debris. In fact, you may need to replace foggy or scratched headlight covers to ensure you have the brightest light possible for nighttime driving.
Avoid Common Nighttime Driving Risks
By following these simple safety steps, you can help to keep yourself and loved ones safe when driving at night. Additionally, investing in a great auto insurance policy from Insurance Innovations, Inc can help to give you peace of mind. Interested in learning more? Call (262) 643-2020 or contact us today for more information and be sure to request a free quote.
