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Driving at night is often more hazardous than driving during the day. In fact, over 40 percent of deadly car accidents occur at night. Here are some steps you can take to lower your risk of getting into a car accident while driving at night.
1. Drive More Cautiously
Drivers make approximately 90 percent of decisions on the road based on what is visible to them. Due to the lack of sunlight afforded at night, you must pay even more attention to what you can perceive, such as reflectors on the surfaces and sides of roads and the headlights and taillights of other cars. You should drive a bit more slowly and be prepared to safely stop at any time, as you will have less advance notice if someone or something comes in front of your car.
2. Use Your Lights
At night, headlights are vital tools that not only allow you to see what is around you, but also allow other people on the road to see you and know you are there so they can give you ample space. Before driving, you should ensure that your headlights and taillights are fully functional and that you are aware of how they operate. You should also only use your high beams when there are no other drivers around, as high beams are more likely to dazzle other drivers and potentially cause a crash.
3. Be Aware of the Risks of Drunk Driving
People are generally more likely to drink in the evening hours, and while you cannot control the actions of other drivers, you can still make good decisions to try to protect yourself. It is best not to drink if you know you will need to drive afterwards. If you do decide to drink, be aware of how much you can drink before you become too intoxicated to drive. Charts can be found online that can tell you how many drinks you can have before reaching the legal BAC limit (0.08) to drive according to your gender and weight. If you encounter a car that seems to be moving erratically or is otherwise disobeying traffic laws, regardless of what time of day it is, stay well away from it as the driver may not have sound enough judgement to drive defensively and avoid causing a crash.
4. Don’t Drive Drowsy
You and other drivers will likely be more tired at night than during the day. If you feel that your drowsiness is seriously impacting your judgement or reaction time while driving, pull over in a safe area to take a brief rest if possible. Alternatively, you could call an Uber or Lyft, or ask a trusted friend or family member to pick you up and take you home as long as you are comfortable leaving your car where you are and you can get back to where you left your car the next day. If you must drive, try your best to remain as alert as possible.
In case of an accident, you should have an auto insurance plan that will offer you the protection you need. Contact American Insurance to find the right plan for you today!
Sources:
https://seriousaccidents.com/legal-advice/top-causes-of-car-accidents/nighttime-driving/