If you are a young, inexperienced driver, you are likely concerned about nighttime driving. Indeed, the statistics show that night driving is more dangerous than daytime driving, especially on the weekend. In fact, the number of fatal auto wrecks is highest on Saturday between 8 p.m. and midnight, according to the National Safety Council. In summer, Friday nights are equally dangerous.
Exercise extra caution while driving at night. Avoid the most risky hours if you can, and know what to do in the event of an accident. If you must drive in the dark, know the hazards and take extra precautions to prevent a crash.
Nighttime hazards
Obviously, driving in the dark results in limited visibility. Being tired at night can disrupt your reaction time. Because people tend to consume alcohol during the evening, you may also be more likely to be on the road with drunk drivers at night.
What you can do
Make sure your windshield is clean and keep your wipers in good shape. Your headlights and mirrors should be clean and properly aligned. Keep dash lights dim to prevent glare.
When driving at night, slow down. Use your high-beams when you can, but be sure to switch to low-beams as soon as you detect oncoming traffic so you do not blind drivers heading toward you.
What you can avoid
Prevent causing an accident by refraining from driving under certain circumstances: when you have been awake longer than 16 hours, while medicated, after drinking alcohol and when you are emotionally distraught.
Prevent being on the road with drunk drivers by avoiding parts of town that have a heavy concentrations of bars and nightclubs. If you are the designated driver for your group, park a few blocks away from your party destination. Stay away from intersections with a history of accidents if you can.
Avoid driving alongside drivers who are swerving, changing lanes haphazardly or veering off the road. Stay well behind them and, when it is safe to do so, pull over to alert authorities. If police are able to get impaired or distracted drivers off the road, everyone is safer.
