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For a Safer Night Driving

Driving in the dark is the least enjoyable experience for many. Here’s what you can do to make it less of a chore and more safe.

1. Lights, Car, Action

First things first! Make sure that all the lamps outside including the reversing lamp and indicators are in fine working order. If there is any dust or condensation inside the lens cover of the headlamps, get it cleaned focused properly towards the road and get all relay connections checked. Check the brake and windshield-washer fluid water levels. Replace wiper blades and keep the windshield clean.

2. Daytime Lamps

As soon as the sun sets, make it a habit to turn on the headlamps and not just he parking lamps. The human eye takes time in adjusting to the dimming light; so even though the headlamps won’t increase your field of vision, they will certainly help other drivers on the road see you better.

3. Recognise Signs of Fatique

You need to be more alert in the dark than when the sun is out. If you are driving late at night and are all alone, chances are you are likely to feel a bit sleepy. Play your favourite song that will keep you awake! Try any of these, but don’t sleep while driving. Whatever you do, ensure that you acknowledge drowsiness and stop for coffee breaks or to get out and stretch.

4. Rear Projectors

To avoid being blinded by oncoming traffic, focus your eyes on the left edge of the road and don’t stare into the headlamps of an approaching car. A car behind with its headlamps on full beam penetrating into your cabin can be as irritating as one from the front. An easy way to avoid this is by tilting your central mirror towards the roof. The mirror will bounce the light off the road and give you a rough idea about the traffic behind, while taking the glare away from you.

5. High or Low

Use high beam whenever possible to increase sight distance but we use low beam in traffic to avoid blinding other drivers. If the driver of an oncoming vehicle fails to put its headlights in dip mode, excessive glare can be avoided by focusing your eyes on the edge of the road and using it as it as a steering guide. However, it is still important to be aware of possible dips and hidden bends in the road and specifically take extra care when overtaking.

6. Drunken Stupor

It’s a well known fact that people drink at night, which intensifies as the hours pass by. This is more so on a weekend. If you are driving at night, ensure that you drive defensively. Stay away from vehicles whose drivers show signs of drunken behavior. If a car around you is changing lanes erratically or speeding up and slowing down suddenly, allow it to pass by and start moving only after you’ve got a safe enough gap between the two cars.