Driving in the dark is a major challenge for most drivers. As soon as it gets dark, lights can become your saviors as well as distractions. While you need street lights and your car’s own headlights working in top condition, you also want to avoid the glimmering lights, full beam headlights, and shiny signboards across the roadside to make driving safe.
Did you know that the chances of accidents increase 3x when driving during the night? The chances of getting involved in a fatal accident while driving increase by 49 percent when driving at night. In 2014, 251 people suffered serious injuries because of winter’s harsh driving conditions while 29 people were killed during the same period. Over 2,000 accidents were reported during the winter season of 2014 which presents the gravity of the situations before us.
It is not possible to avoid driving altogether during night or during winters. However, with a few precautions, you will be able to drive safely. Land Rover specialists Grange Motors have helped us create a guide for winter driving/night time driving for you. Read on to know what they have suggested.
Get two checkups done quickly
By the end of October, right before winter is about to hit us in full glory, you should get your eyes checked by the doctor. You could feel dryness, redness, or eye fatigue at various times because of driving. However, lower visibility could lead to more eye strain during winters or when you are driving at night. It is essential to get an eye checkup done to ensure that your eyesight is perfect. If contact lenses, glasses, or Lasik is necessary, get it done asap. Excessive strain on the eyes could be a big barrier to driving in the dark.
The second checkup is for your car. Your vehicle should be in perfect condition before it starts moving during the winters. Most vehicles have a hard time during the cold, harsh weather. Startup could take time and the engine can sometimes give up if the temperature suddenly drops. Give your car a servicing if it needs one. Check whether the lights in your car are working properly. You don’t want to end up with a headlight or tail light that doesn’t work during the dark winter’s evenings.
Driving tips
Never drive too fast when you are driving at night. In rural areas, most people prefer to keep full beam on and drive at a faster pace. While this could be a good strategy, you should avoid speeding too much. Animals crossing the road could appear suddenly and speeding cars are often unable to cope with such a sudden challenge, causing an accident and injuries to the driver.
In urban settings, you should be extra careful as there are pedestrians on the road as well. A small distraction or a low light area could mean an accident. Driving a little slow could give you more time to assess the road ahead of you and maneuver your car through any challenges.
These were some road safety tips that will keep you prepared for drives during the night, especially in winters.
