Driving at night requires defensive and thoughtful driving! Here is some advice on safe driving techniques:
- Plan your route so you’re aware of any steep descents, sharp corners and other hazards specific to that route
- Remain very alert to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists and avoid any distractions when driving
- Avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights. Look at the right-hand side of the road and drive well to the right
- Adjust your speed and be ready to slow down – allow yourself the time and space to react to whatever comes out of the dark
- A safe speed should enable you to brake or maneuver to avoid a hazard without endangering those around you, and to stop within the distance you can see to be clear
- On rural and less well-maintained roads a slower speed is necessary to spot pot-holes and to evade driving through them
- Increase following distance to increase crash avoidance space
- Keep your eyes moving and watch for flashes of light – at the top of hills, at road bends and intersections – that may indicate the headlights of other cars
- Remain cautious to animals on the road – you may see the eyes of the animal reflect in the headlights long before you see the animal
- Swerving is no guarantee that you’ll miss the animal, and creates a much more dangerous situation for everyone Hold your lane, keep the wheel straight, and apply the brakes as firmly as possible while still maintaining control
- Be extra cautious at all intersections when driving at night – watching for vehicles that drive through stop lights
- Approach slowly, look both ways and proceed with caution – do not assume safety!
- Do not use cruise control when driving at night – keep both hands on the steering wheel and all your focus on steering the vehicle safely!
Originally Posted on Idealease Safety Bulletin