Driving at night can be a dangerous endeavor that almost all drivers will have to get through at some point. To learn how to drive at night and stay as safe as possible, read this post by Lee ; Rita Downhill in Frankford.

As the clock keeps ticking, the time to say goodbye to the hotter summer months continues to get closer. This isn't all bad, as it means that the fall and winter seasons are nearby! One unfortunate thing, however, is that as the summer months leave us, so does the sunlight. The fall and winter days are darker: the sun rises later and sets earlier. Because of this, we all have to make some changes to adapt to these conditions. For drivers, this means being on an even higher alert on the road. Darker days and longer nights mean less visibility on the road, which can be dangerous. As the National Safety Council states, 50% of all traffic deaths occur at night, even though we only do a quarter of our driving after dark. To make sure you and your passengers aren't heavily injured or worse while driving at night, here are some safety tips you can follow.

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How to Stay Safe While Driving at Night

Make Sure You Can See

First and foremost, you need to make sure that you can see even if there isn't much light outside. You won't have the sunlight to help you see the road ahead, so you need tools that can assist you. For example, you will need to have a clean windshield in good shape, functional headlights, and glasses if you need them.

Use the Lights Wisely

Not only is it important that you see the road and those around you, but it's also essential that they see you and learn your intentions. That's why you need to use your lights wisely. For instance, keep your headlights on, check your brake lights, and use your blinkers and hazards when needed. As for the high beams, use them carefully, as you could blind a vehicle coming opposite you and cause a wreck.

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Don't Get Blinded

Helpful as they are, at times, the lights from other vehicles may blind you (especially if they have their high beams on). To stay safe in this situation, you first need to identify where the light is coming from:

• If it's coming from in front of you, don't look directly at it. Instead, use the luminous lines on the road to keep driving and stay in your lane.
• If it's coming from the back, use the setting in your rearview mirror to block some of the glare.

Prepare Effectively

If you're prepared for your nightly drives, you'll be safer. For instance, take your vehicle to a mechanic regularly, so you won't get stranded on the side of the road at night or go without the lights you need to see and be seen when it's dark. It's also a good idea to pack an emergency kit in case there are eventualities you need to deal with at night when help may not be as available.

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Go at a Slower Pace

Since you can't see very well and you never know what you could encounter on the road at night, it's suggested that you go at a slower pace. This will give you a chance to make out what's in front of you and react to it properly without getting into an accident. It doesn't matter if you're in a hurry; it's better to get to your destination a bit later than not to get there at all.

Avoid Driving Under the Influence

You should never ever drive under the influence. However, it's bad enough to do it in the daytime, let alone when the conditions are much more dangerous. If you're a person that loves to go to parties and get high or drunk, do not drive. Wait until you sober up, have someone sober take you home, or use an alternate form of transportation.

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Avoid Drowsy Driving

Being tired hinders your senses, motor functions, and judgment, which is not what you want when you're driving. That's why you should avoid drowsy driving as much as possible. Consider that sugary and/or caffeinated beverages may not do the trick. If you're starting to feel exhausted, your best bet is to stop at a safe spot to rest or hand the wheel over to a more awake driver.

Be Extra Careful

Another danger of driving at night is that it's more likely that you'll find drunk, high, drowsy, or blind drivers on the road. For this reason, you need to be extra careful whenever you're driving at night. Avoid distractions at all costs, and try defensive driving techniques. If needed, use an auditory GPS to avoid getting lost in the darkness.

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