1. Combat Fatigue
Most people are use to going to sleep once the dark sets in. However, when it comes to traveling, people often prefer traveling during the late hours of the night in order to beat the daytime traffic rushes. Driving without proper rest can be dangerous, so it's important to set aside a few hours to sleep before hitting the road. If you start to get tired on your route, roll the windows down, turn the radio up, and have your favorite snack and beverage handy. If you get too tired, don't continue driving. Check in to the nearest hotel, or pull over to a safe rest area and take a nap.
2. Stay Aware!
Incidents are more likely to happen at night as our surroundings are not always as obvious. Constantly check your mirrors, be aware of any blind spots your vehicle may have, and watch for lights and movement. Be cautionary of people or animals that might be present in the area, as well as debris that may be in the middle of the road. Keep your mirrors clean, and make sure to adjust them to your height and comfortability.
3. Lights - They're more important than you think
When turning your headlights on, check to make sure they are working properly. It may seem like common sense, but you might be surprised at how many people either forget or choose to ignore them altogether. When driving on a country road, it's crucial to know how to use the full beam--and always make sure to adjust them back to dipped beam when you see other cars coming so you aren't flashing them. This is not only illegal, but distracts the other driver, posing a risk for their safety. However, if it's foggy or snowy outside, it's best to keep the high beams off altogether. And Don't forget to keep them clean, which leads us to....
4. Toothpaste (no, really)
Keeping your headlights clean plays a large part in driving safely at night. Scrub them with toothpaste and wipe off with a newspaper. This is guaranteed to get all of the buildup accumulated off--making them less hazy and dim.
5. Space
Our vision at night isn't always the same as it is during the day. Allow around two seconds to the vehicle in front of you. Elongate this rule under hazardous weather conditions.
6. Emergency Kit
Make sure to have an emergency roadside kit on you at all times. This might just save you time, money, or even your own life. Good items to have include jumper cables, batteries, blankets, a first aid kit, batteries, extra water bottles, or anything else you may need during an emergency.
7. Safe Routes
Make sure to have an emergency roadside kit on you at all times. This might just save you time, money, or even your own life. Good items to have include jumper cables, batteries, blankets, a first aid kit, batteries, extra water bottles, or anything else you may need during an emergency.
8. Regular Optometrist Visits
Many eye conditions cause people to have poor night vision. Studies show that 37% of adults in the United States do not go to yearly exams. Even if you think you have perfect vision, it's important to go to the eye doctor for regular exams. Just because you can see clearly doesn't mean that you don't need correction. It's important to get your eyes tested for any diseases and to learn about how they can be prevented in the future. Eye sight is extremely important to driving safely after hours.
9. Stay Sober or don't drive
Like they've been telling us for years, don't drink and drive (yes, this applies to both day and night). However, because most people attend bars after hours, there is a higher probability that intoxicated drivers are on the road at night. If you plan on going out, arrange plans for a ride before hand. This might include having a trusted friend giving you a ride home, or catching a ride with LYFT or UBER. Be responsible or don't go out.
10. Dim Your Interior Lights
Interior lights make it easier to see your radio, speedometer, and warning lights. When they are too bright, this can cause you to become disoriented when you glance at the dash. Adjust them to a setting that allows you to see everything on your dash safely.