Things you need to know to drive safely at night

50% of traffic accident deaths occur at night.

Most drivers don’t drive much at night, but studies show that more than 50% of traffic fatalities occur at night. This is a challenge not only for new drivers but also for experienced drivers.

With some of the tips and advice below, you can reduce the risk of something dangerous happening while driving at night.

Why is driving at night more dangerous?

There are a number of reasons why driving at night is significantly more dangerous than driving during the day.

Fatigue and drowsiness are common occurrences when driving at night.

Limited night vision:

This is especially common with drivers over 60 or with vision problems.

Tired

One in 25 adult drivers say they have fallen asleep at the wheel, and many more admit to driving while sleep-deprived.

Rush hour

Roads become more crowded and dangerous between 4pm and 7pm as drivers rush home after work.

Impaired driving ability

Drivers who regularly consume alcohol and other drugs are more likely to experience impaired driving in dark conditions.

Tips for driving at night

Be a proactive driver

Active driving is the act of anticipating potentially dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or mistakes made by others while driving.

Proactively preventing any bad situations from happening when driving at night is the best way to limit risks.

Even if you know the road like the back of your hand, proactive driving will help you reduce the risk of collision and improve safety by anticipating situations and making informed decisions.

Do not drive when sleepy

It’s important to be well-rested and alert when driving. But your brain produces more melatonin at night, a sleep-inducing hormone, which means you’re more likely to feel tired when driving at night.

To increase alertness and reduce fatigue, talk to your travel companion if possible, or listen to some upbeat music that you like if possible.

If you have droopy eyelids or are too tired, find a place to stop, take a nap for 5-10 minutes can also improve somewhat, if you are still tired, it is best to stop driving and find a place to rest for the night.

Check the lighting system

Good lighting system helps you drive more safely at night.

Keeping your headlights clean and bright is key to safe night driving. Not only does it reduce your visibility if only one headlight is left on, it can also be illegal if you can't prove the light failed while driving.

According to the provisions of Point g, Clause 3, Article 5 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, a fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 will be imposed for not using or not using enough lighting between 7:00 p.m. the previous day and 5:00 a.m. the following day. Therefore, you should check carefully before driving to ensure that both headlights are on and working.

Clean the windshield

Dirt buildup on your windshield can increase glare from oncoming cars and streetlights, making it harder to see the road. A cracked or broken windshield can do the same thing, so fix any cracks before driving.

Slow down

Driving too fast and following too closely is never a good idea. This can cause an accident if the car in front of you stops too suddenly. Also, the closer your headlights are, the brighter they appear, which can be distracting.

Look away when there is glare.

Using high/low beam lights properly is also a way to minimize collisions with oncoming vehicles.

When driving at night, not everyone is aware of traffic safety. Many vehicles going in the opposite direction, intentionally or unintentionally, often use high beam mode instead of low beam mode even when you have flashed your lights to signal.

If the oncoming vehicle still does not change its light mode, instead of getting frustrated, you should slow down and glance to the side of the road. Doing so will help your eyes not be affected by the glare from the oncoming vehicle, and at the same time help you quickly regain your vision ahead to drive safely.

Watch out for pedestrians

Always take extra time to look for pedestrians on poorly lit roads. Not everyone wears reflective clothing, making them harder for drivers to see at night.

Also, make sure that you are not distracted while driving by other activities such as texting, adjusting the radio or eating in the car.

Watch out for animals running across

During the day, animals running across the road are difficult for drivers to handle, so situations that occur at night become even more difficult.

Driving in the city, you will encounter scenes of animals suddenly running across the road. But this is a common situation on provincial roads or remote areas.

Therefore, make sure to be extremely cautious and slow down to observe on such roads. Avoiding animals suddenly at night can be dangerous for you and your vehicle.

Ultimately, one of the best ways to protect yourself and your vehicle from any harm caused by driving at night is to make sure you have auto insurance.