Driving At Night

We all know that the most dangerous time to drive is at night. As we prepare to spend more time driving in the dark as we have shifted to shorter days in these wintery months, these tips for safer driving will help everyone take extra care on the road at night. 

• Give your car a clean start: Now would be a perfect time to make sure all windows and mirrors have been freshly cleaned. A dirty inside windshield is the number one reason that glare from other cars can cause problems. Give your headlights and windshield wipers a nice wipe down, too.
• Be aware of the glare: When driving on backroads especially, when the lights from oncoming traffic are too bright, shift your eyes to the right side of the road or the painted guideline until the other car passes. Never stare directly into the lights of other cars.
• Turn down inside lights: It’s easier to see outside the vehicle when the inside isn’t as bright. Consider turning down the brightness of your dashboard lights, phones that are being used for GPS, and the dashboard screens.
• Drive at an appropriate speed for your headlights: Don’t overdrive your headlights at a speed that wouldn’t allow you to stop for an obstacle at the far reaches of your sight. If you don’t think you have enough room to slow down to the edge of your headlights, you are driving too fast.
• Scan for wildlife: Be mindful of animals that may be on or near the roadway while you travel at night. Use your high-beams when opposing traffic permits it.
• Pay attention to others: It is critical to allow leeway for other nighttime drivers. While driving at night, you will encounter more distracted, sleepy and even impaired drivers on the road.
• Stay awake: It’s easy and common to get a little sleepy when driving longer distances at night. If you feel your eyelids getting heavy, pull over. Taking a break from driving by stopping at a convenience store or gas station can help. Have a pleasant conversation with a passenger or turn your music up a little louder to help you stay awake.

Remember, whether its your work commute that is now in the dark or a family trip during the holidays, if you find yourself driving at dawn, dusk, or night, take caution. It doesn't matter whether the road is familiar or not, driving at night is always more dangerous.

Get the coverage you need. For information on auto insurance, contact your AAA Insurance Agent at tel:1-800-222-1469, go to AAA.com/AutoInsurance, or stop by your local AAA office.