Even if you do your best to avoid it, there’s a chance you’ll find yourself driving after dark. This is different from driving during the daylight hours, as you’re relying on your headlights to show you the way.
Here are several nighttime driving safety tips you can follow to avoid trouble on the road:
- Always use your headlights
- Regularly inspect your headlights and brake lights for proper use
- Don’t use your high beams when traveling toward other vehicles
- Turn off all interior lights
- Keep your windshield clean as to reduce glare
- Slow down because your visibility is limited
- Increase following distance between vehicles
- Pull to the side of the road if you feel drowsy
At first glance, this sounds like a lot of work. However, if you want to remain safe, these are all things you need to do.
While doing these things, don’t expect other drivers to always take the same level of caution. For example, someone may forget to turn their lights on before putting their vehicle in drive. Another person may leave work late at night, completely exhausted, assuming they have enough energy to make it home.
If you’re part of a nighttime car accident, move your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Also, turn on your hazard lights and use flares so passing vehicles know you are there.
Once you call 911, you can remain where you are until help arrives. The responding officer can file a report, all while you receive medical treatment for your injuries. Once you’re stable, contact your insurance company and learn more about the cause of the crash. This will help you decide what to do next in regard to protecting your legal rights.
