Don't be in the Dark About Driving at Night

You have been out for a great night out with your friends and now it is time to drive home. You get in the car, put on your seatbelt, put on the radio and hit the road. Did you know that motor accidents are three times more likely to occur at night than during the day time? Are you aware of night driving hazards and do you know how to deal with them?

“When driving at night you have to be physically, mentally and visually prepared,” says Robyn Farrell , director of 1 st for Women Insurance, the only insurance brokerage which caters specifically for women. “Not only is it dark, which for obvious reasons limits your visual capability, but your peripheral vision and judgment of distance is compromised because of the lack of light. Driving at night can also increase the normal feelings of weariness or fatigue that we experience when driving over long distances.”

As South Africans we are all aware of the dangers of driving alone at night. This fact is particularly evident for women drivers. “Driving at night makes us much more vulnerable to dangerous situations. Smash and grabs, vehicle theft and hijackings occur predominately during the night time so make sure you are aware of your surroundings and that you keep all valuables such as your purse, handbag and cell phone out of sight, and reach, from potential onlookers,” said Farrell.

Another aspect to consider is drunk driving. Farrell advises that drivers should watch out for careless, drunk drivers. “Most accidents occur because of drunk driving. You may be totally sober but the person driving in the next lane may not be. Be aware and increase your following distance if you notice a reckless driver.”

Night blindness is a particularly difficult and common problem when driving at night. “If oncoming headlights cause blurred vision the first step is to have a thorough eye exam. If you need to wear glasses at night to improve your visibility, clear lenses with an anti-reflection coating are best for night driving.

“Another factor to consider when driving at night is speeding. By reducing your speed you not only have better control of your vehicle but you will also be able to look out for unexpected hazards on the road ahead and brake accordingly,” comments Farrell.

There are several effective measures that should be taken into account to minimize after-dark dangers:

• Make sure your windshield and windows are clean inside and out and clear of any dirt or debris
• Make sure your headlights are on and properly aimed. Headlights that are misaimed not only reduce your visibility, but the visability for other drivers too.
• Have a thorough eye exam every three years to test for night blindness and cataracts. Both of these conditions reduce visibility when driving at night.
• Make sure your doors are locked.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Never, ever drive drunk and always wear a seatbelt!
• Try and avoid roads that are not well lit.
• Make it easier for others to see you by ensuring that all your vehicle's exterior lights are working properly.
• Wear sunglasses during the day. Wearing sunglasses during bright days helps keep your eyes more sensitive for driving in the dark.
• Reduce your speed so that you can keep a look out for unexpected road signs, road hazards and pedestrians.
• Allow cars behind you to pass if you're bothered by glare from their headlights.

“If you follow these tips and are still battling with your eye-sight when driving at night make sure you see an optometrist as soon as possible. Your safety and the safety of those around you depend on it,” concludes Farrell.