Safe Nighttime Driving

Driving at night is more dangerous than daytime driving. According to the National Safety Council traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day. Seniors are especially at risk for problems with nighttime driving as aging affects ability to focus and reduces depth perception and reaction times. A 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year old.

The following tips can help you to stay safer while driving at night.

• Keep windshield (inside and out) and lights (both head and tail lights) clean.
• Make sure headlights are properly aimed. You may blind oncoming drivers and reduce your ability to see the road properly.
• Reduce your speed and increase your following distance at night. Many states have posted lower nighttime speed limits.
• Try to stick with well-lit roads. Keep your speed lower on dark roads to avoid overdriving your headlights.
• If oncoming vehicles fail to lower their headlight beams avoid glare from light by focusing on the right edge of the road as a steering guide.
• If cars behind you are following too closely or if glare from their headlights is bothering you, pull over and allow them to pass you.
• If you wear glasses ask your eye-care provider about special anti-glare coatings.
• Have an eye exam yearly to evaluate for conditions such as cataracts that can affect night time driving.
• When driving at night make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If you become too tired to drive find a place to stop and rest.
• If you have an older car that does not have daytime running lights, be sure to put on your headlights as soon as twilight occurs. This makes it easier for other drivers to see your car.
• Limit driving to daytime hours when it becomes too difficult to drive safely at night.