Avoid Night Driving Dangers
Traffic death rates are three times higher at night than during the day, according to the National Safety Council. Driving reactions rely heavily on vision, and darkness severely limits depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision. The keys to reducing your risk of an accident are maximizing your vision and your vehicle's visibility.
Install high-quality headlights and wiper blades to improve visibility, and replace the headlight bulbs on a regular basis. "You'll notice a huge difference," says automotive expert Lauren Fix, known as "The Car Coach" on TV and the Web. "Remember, 90 percent of your driving decisions are based on visibility." A can of glass cleaner and paper towels will help keep your turn signals, windshield, mirrors and brake lights clear—making it easier for you to see, and easier for other drivers to see you. Older drivers and those with vision problems may find it especially challenging to drive at night. They should see a medical professional who can determine whether they are able to drive safely and suggest eyewear that may help.
Align Headlights and Mirrors
Headlights out of alignment can be a danger to you as well as to other drivers. Your visibility might be compromised, and the errant beam of your misaligned headlight could be hitting other drivers directly in their eyes. "If you think your headlights are aimed incorrectly, find an automotive technician to adjust them properly," Fix says. If a vehicle behind you has misaligned headlights upsetting your vision, adjust your rear-view mirror. "Flip that switch on your rearview mirror—called a dimming mirror—and try not to look at those lights because they can be very distracting," Fix says.
Adjust Speed and Following Distance
Because darkness reduces your ability to judge what other drivers are doing, you'll want to reduce your speed and increase the distance at which you follow other cars. "Just don't go so slow that you become a hazard," Fix says. A good rule of thumb for determining your speed while driving at night is to rely on the illumination distance or reach of your headlights. "Don't overdrive your headlights," Fix says. "You should be able to stop within the illuminated area."
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