Did you know that Saturday nights are the most dangerous time to drive?
Driving at night can often feel riskier than during the day. There’s less light, it’s very quiet, and you’re more likely to feel tired, which isn’t necessarily a good combination. But, it also allows you to beat the traffic, making it a smart choice if you’re traveling across the country!
If you’re driving long distance at night, there are plenty of ways to make your journey easier. We’ve put together some of the most popular for a smooth, safe drive.
Read on to find out more!
Clean Your Headlights and Windshield
Before setting out for long distance driving overnight, be sure to clean your headlights and windshield. By removing the grime from your headlights, you ensure your beams are at their brightest, which is essential on dark roads. By cleaning your windshield, you improve visibility and reduce glare from other cars’ lights, helping you drive safely.
Make Use of Your High Beams
High beams are on your car for a reason! When driving at night, don’t forget to use them on dark roads with no oncoming traffic. Just be sure to switch to low beams whenever you’re behind another car or see a vehicle heading in your direction to avoid car and truck accidents.
Never Drive Too Fast
Going too fast is always a big no-no, especially when driving at night. When your vision isn’t quite as good, it’s much more likely that an animal, vehicle, or pedestrian will come into sight unexpectedly. The slower you’re driving, the more time you have to react.
That being said, don’t drive too slowly or you may become a hazard to other drivers. Stick to the speed limit or slightly below it and you’ll be practicing night driving safety.
Take Regular Breaks
If you’re not used to being awake at night, it’s very likely you’ll feel a little tired. The CDC even says that driving after being awake for 18 hours can be compared to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, which isn’t great! Whenever you feel your eyes getting heavy, pull over somewhere safe and take a break.
If you’re drifting off at the wheel or find that breaks aren’t helping, check into a hotel for the night. It’s always better to get to your destination late than fall asleep at the wheel.
Pack an Emergency Supply Kit
There are plenty of tips for safely driving long distance, but even if you follow everyone you can still have emergencies! From a popped tire to a drained battery, you need to be prepared. In your car, always pack:
- Phone
- Phone charger
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Safety vest
- Tire gauge
Be sure you have a spare tire in your trunk too, as you never know when you might need it.
Stay Safe While Driving Long Distance at Night
Driving long distance at night is usually unproblematic, but make sure you’re extra vigilant regardless. Remember, your vision isn’t going to be as clear as it is during the day, and that’s reason enough to take extra precautions.
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