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Drive Safely Through Darkness

Darkness is the major culprit that causes driving hazards while driving in the night. Darkness results in reduced vision that eventually results in road accidents. Darkness or limited light after sunset also hampers the depth perception and color recognition, which adds to the number of on-road tragedies.

Age, alcoholism and drowsing are other factors that add to night driving hazards. A Driver with an age of 50 has reduced vision and need extra light to drive effectively and safely. Alcoholism results in loss of steering control and impaired vision that affects the overall safety of the driver. A number of car accidents occur during weekends when the youth are out with friends and enjoying the ride with alcohols and drugs. Drowsiness or sleepiness also affects driving by distracting the concentration and slowing reaction time.

Today innovation and advancements in car safety technology has also come up with various new car safety features that help in improving night vision while driving. GPS (Global Positioning System) and adaptive headlights are two innovative car safety technologies that help to provide better road awareness and enhanced visibility. GPS is a powerful navigation system that helps to preview of what's ahead on dark roads. Adaptive headlights equipped in most of the Indian cars today consist of infrared lights and thermal imaging cameras that help to enhance visibility on dark roads and even spot animals, people and other objects on the path.

Whether the car is equipped with these gadgets or not, it is essential to learn some tips for driving safely through darkness:

Before night driving, the driver should ensure that the headlights, tail lights, indicator lights and windows are properly cleaned. Dirty windows lower down the clarity of vision because of the glare.
Dirty and fogged windshields can also be dangerous when driving in the night. These windshields increase the glare of incoming vehicles.
Turn on the headlights for enhanced visibility.

Don’t flash high beams at any vehicle sharing the same road.
Use high beam to enhance visibility and low beam during fog.
In case of a breakdown on middle of the road, if possible pull the car aside and switch on the emergency lights.
If the car is equipped with the day and night mirror, use the feature. This will enhance vision when the headlight of other vehicles reflects the eyes.
Avoid too much of glare. If the street lights are on, dim off the interior lights.
Track a vehicle and follow it maintaining safe distance. It will provide more lighting and make it easier to spot problems and hazards ahead on the road.
It is not advisable to drive beyond the average speed. Fast driving is more dangerous especially during night when there is low visibility.
Use properly aligned mirrors to reduce blind spots and glare.
Avoid drinking and smoking while driving. This is an added threat to night driving.
Never overdrive the headlights and stop inside the illuminated area.
Keep short stopping distance during emergency and panic stops.
Keep eyes moving for flashes and beams.
Be careful when turning. Give signal in advance so that the driver behind is aware of the turn.