The statistics are clear, driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the daytime. This is for many reasons, drivers are more tired, visibility is reduced and people on the road are, unfortunately, more likely to be intoxicated. If you are driving at night, you know that there are extra precautions that you should take in order to do so safely. As such, here are five specific things you can do to make sure you are safe when travelling after dark by car.
Avoid Driving When You’re Tired
When you are tired, you are less alert. Your reflexes are slower, you’re thinking might be impaired, and you are more likely to swerve off the road. Indeed, there are some studies that show that people who drive tired actually are less safe than those who drive intoxicated. This, of course, has major implications. It may mean that there are millions of unsafe, tired drivers on the road at any given time. As such, make sure you get a good amount of rest before getting in the car.
Driving at night is likely to make you even more tired and particularly when you are driving around or past your bedtime. Take care to avoid driving very late whenever possible.
Driving while tired can make you see things or cars that really aren’t there, lawyers call this the phantom car defence. This is another potential danger of driving while tired and another reason why you should stay off the road at all possible.
Don’t Travel Alone
If you travel alone, you are more likely to “zone out” while driving, increasing your risk for an accident and injury. As such, whenever possible, drive with someone – especially when you are driving at night. Don’t allow that other person to distract you from your driving responsibilities, of course, but try to have them help you stay awake and alert. Make sure you continue to talk to them while driving. This will stimulate your senses and help you stay alert while operating your car.
However, while it is important to talk to others while driving, don’t take this too far. Texting while driving and using your phone while driving makes you far more likely to get into an accident. Talk to others but talk to others who are already in the car with you and make sure your primary focus is on the road.
Check In With People
When you are travelling after dark by car, make sure to periodically stop driving and check-in with a loved one or friend. This serves two purposes. First, it gives you the chance to talk with someone, stimulating your body and mind. This can help to wake you up a little bit more. Second, it helps to keep you safe. Give someone the time you expect to arrive at a destination. Also, make sure to call them when you get there. This way, if you don’t get there at the appointed time, the person you reach out to will know something may be wrong. They can then reach out to the authorities if they cannot get in touch with you.
Stay Hydrated and Well-Fed
Eating and drinking can stimulate your brain and help break the monotony of driving. To that end, make sure that you eat and drink regularly while driving at night. This also has the added benefit of making sure that you are moving your body on a regular basis.
Stop Frequently
If you are tired, stopping on a regular basis can help you get your blood moving, put some fresh air on your face and allow you to stretch. All of these things make you more likely to stay awake and alert. Whenever possible, stop at rest stops. Grab a quick bite to eat and a drink. Caffeine may be appropriate, but “caffeine crashes” that ultimately make you more tired are real, so make sure you drink any caffeine judiciously.
Driving at night can be a dangerous activity. It comes with inherent risks and increases the odds of getting into a dangerous accident. You should take it seriously and understand the risks entailed with nighttime driving. However, there’s good news, with proper caution and by taking appropriate steps, you can dramatically mitigate the risks associated with nighttime driving. We hope this advice helps when travelling after dark by car.
Check out other car safety and road trip advice here.
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