12 Safety Tips for Driving at Night This Season

Now that Daylight Savings Time is here, it gets darker earlier. During the fall and winter season, it is important to practice safe driving habits after the sun sets. For 12 safety tips for driving at night this season, check out the latest from our used car dealership!

First, be extra defensive. You always want to be a defensive driver, but you want to be especially defensive when visibility is low. Stay on high alert and pay attention to the activity of other vehicles on the road.

Next, combat fatigue. If you are driving at night, you may be tired after a long day. Do everything you can to stay awake and alert when behind the wheel. Some ways to do so are having caffeine, talking or singing to yourself, turning up the radio, or rolling down the window to inhale cool, fresh air. If you feel too tired to drive, pull over and give yourself time to rest.

The third tip to drive safely at night this season is cleaning up your view. If you have a dirty windshield, take a trip to the car wash. Dirty windshields can reduce your visibility, making it unsafe to drive at night.

If possible, avoid two-lane highways at night. Nighttime glare on two-lane highways can lead to a "worst-case scenario." If there is an alternative route to get where you need to go, take that route instead.

Next, slow down. When driving at night in poor visibility, you want to reduce your speed. The slower you drive, the more response time you have if you need to activate your brakes.

Angling your headlights can make all the difference when driving at night. Make sure your headlights are angled correctly for nighttime driving. If they are tiled too high, they can distract other drivers.

Speaking of headlights, don't forget your high beams. When appropriate, high beams can improve visibility and make nighttime driving safer. Never turn your high beams on when a vehicle is traveling in your direction, as your lights can decrease their visibility.

Tweak your interior lighting when the sun sets. Turning down the lights on your dashboard can improve your visibility.

As always, keep your eyes on the road. Make sure to always look where you are going when you are driving. If a car is driving in your direction, do your best to avoid looking at their headlights. Rather, look at the road ahead to maintain your visibility.

Watch out for wildlife when driving at night. The nighttime is when many animals are most active. Look out for glowing eyes and be sure to slow down or brake if an animal is approaching the road.

Get your vision checked every year to be sure your night vision is up to par. Some individuals need different prescriptions for night driving.

Finally, test and use your lights. Make sure all of your lights, including your low beams, high beams, daytime running lights, turning signals, and brake lights are working.

Now that you know how to drive safely at night, you're ready to purchase a pre-owned vehicle! Check out Certified Headquarters to find top quality used cars within your budget. You can visit us at 873 Middle Country Road in St. James!