Safety Tips for Driving at Night

By the Mercury Team

Driving at night can be a completely different experience from daytime driving. The roads might be quieter, and the cool evening breeze can be refreshing, but the lower visibility and potential risks mean you’ve got to be extra careful. In this post, we’ll share some easy, practical tips on how to drive at night.

1. Ensure Your Headlights Are Properly Adjusted

If your headlights are out of alignment, they might not light up the road as well as they should, making it harder for you to see what’s ahead. Plus, poorly aimed headlights can cause glare for oncoming drivers, which isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous.

To keep things safe and clear, take a few minutes to check your headlights every now and then. If they seem dim or you notice other drivers frequently flashing their lights at you, it might be time to have a professional adjust them.

2. Use High Beams When Appropriate

High beams can be a lifesaver when driving on dark, rural roads with limited visibility. They allow you to see much further ahead, helping you spot obstacles, animals, or anything else that might be on the road. However, you must know when to use high beams and when to switch to low beams to ensure everyone’s safety.

When driving at night, you should dim your headlights when you’re within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or if you’re following another car closely. This prevents you from blinding other drivers with your bright lights, which can cause dangerous situations. Also, be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, as high beams can be blinding for them as well

3. Clean Your Windshield and Mirrors

Keeping your windshield and mirrors clean is one small thing that makes a big difference, especially when driving at night. Dirt, grime, and streaks can seriously impact your visibility by distorting light from oncoming traffic and streetlights, so it’s important to keep them spotless.

To keep things crystal clear, clean your windshield regularly. A quick wipe-down with a good glass cleaner can do wonders. Don’t forget to pay attention to your side and rearview mirrors because they’re just as important for seeing what’s around you. Also, check your windshield wipers and replace them if they leave streaks.

4. Reduce Speed and Increase Following Distance

Why should you drive slower at night? Reduced visibility means you have less time to react to unexpected situations, like a deer darting across the road or a pedestrian stepping off the curb. Slowing down gives you that extra split second to react and avoid potential hazards.

You should also increase the distance between your car and the one in front of you. How should you adjust your following distance at night? A good rule of thumb is to leave at least four seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead. This extra cushion allows more time to stop if the car in front of you brakes suddenly.

5. Avoid Looking Directly at Oncoming Lights

One of the less fun parts of driving at night is dealing with bright headlights from oncoming cars. That sudden glare can be blinding, making it tough to see the road ahead.

Instead of looking directly at the headlights, try shifting your gaze slightly to the right, focusing on the white line or the edge of the road. This helps you stay on track without getting thrown off by the oncoming lights. If the glare is really intense, slow down a bit until the car passes.

6. Stay Alert and Avoid Fatigue

Driving at night can be relaxing, but it also comes with the risk of drowsy driving, which can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.

If you start feeling sleepy, the best thing you can do is pull over and take a short nap. Even 15 to 20 minutes of rest can make a big difference in your alertness. If a nap isn’t an option, try rolling down the windows for some fresh air or listening to upbeat music to keep your energy up.

Another tip is to plan regular breaks during long drives. Stopping every couple of hours to stretch, grab a snack, or walk around a bit can help you stay refreshed.

7. Watch for Wildlife

Animals like deer and coyotes tend to be more active after dark, and they can appear out of nowhere. Being prepared and knowing how to respond can help you avoid animal collisions.

To stay safe, keep your eyes peeled for any signs of movement along the sides of the road. If you see the reflection of eyes in your headlights, slow down immediately. It’s also a good idea to use your high beams when possible, as they can help you spot animals from a greater distance. Just remember to switch to low beams when other cars are approaching.

If an animal suddenly appears in front of you, resist the urge to swerve, which can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Instead, brake firmly while keeping your steering wheel straight. If you can, steer around the animal slowly, but only if it’s safe.

Does car insurance cover animal damage? Yes, auto insurance can cover animal damage if you have comprehensive coverage, which helps pay for damages if your vehicle is involved in an incident other than a car collision —e.g., hitting a deer, weather damage, theft, etc.

8. Keep Your Interior Lights Dim

Bright lights inside your car can reflect off the windows, causing glare and making it harder to see the road. Plus, they can be pretty distracting, pulling your focus away from what’s happening outside.

To keep things safe and comfortable, dim your dashboard lights and avoid turning on any other interior lights while driving. Most cars have a dial or button that lets you adjust the brightness of your dashboard, so find a level that’s easy on your eyes but still allows you to see everything you need. And if you need to check a map or grab something in the car, it’s better to pull over and turn on a light, rather than trying to do it while driving.

9. Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted drivers are a major cause of accidents, and at night, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to serious consequences.

Don’t be one of these drivers. Put your phone away, keep the music at a reasonable volume, and save any snacks or conversations for when you’re safely parked. If you need to adjust something, like your GPS or the climate controls, try to do it before you start driving or pull over if you need to make changes on the go.

Conclusion

Driving at night requires extra caution, but with the right habits and awareness, you can make your nighttime journeys much safer. Plus, the safer you are behind the wheel, the better your chances of getting auto insurance discounts.

If you’re looking for a reliable insurance provider that values safe driving, check out Mercury. We offer cheap auto insurance and discounts for responsible drivers, making it easier to find the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!