10 Tips for Safe Driving at Night

Driving at night has its own share of hazards. It’s harder for you to see, and it can be tough for other drivers to see you. Follow these tips to reduce your risk of an accident and stay safe after the sun goes down. 

1. Plan Your Trip

Map out your route ahead of time so you know where you’re going and how long your trip will take.  Use your GPS for guidance so you’re not trying to spot road signs in the dark. Planning your trip can also help you anticipate any nighttime construction or road work along your route. 

1. Put Your Phone Down

Set up your GPS and any podcasts or music you want to listen to before you start driving, then keep your hands off your phone. If you’re tempted to answer calls or texts, pull over and stop driving first. Use a reward program like Driveology^® to reinforce your safe driving habits and save money on your auto insurance.

1. Top Up Your Tank

It’s a good idea to fill your gas tank before driving at night, and don’t let it go much below a half-tank before you refill. Keeping your gas at a good level means you won’t be driving around looking for a station in the dark, and possibly in less safe areas.

1. Slow Down

Why should you drive slower at night? According to the National Safety Council, you only have 250 to 500 feet of visibility at night, so you don’t have as much time to react to something. Driving more slowly can give you a bit more time to brake or swerve if something happens.

It’s also likely that your depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are worse in the dark compared to in the daytime. And glare from oncoming headlights can make it harder to see. 

1. Use Your High Beams When You Can

High beams can make it easier to see the road and reflective road signs while driving at night. They can be a good choice on dark or poorly lit roads or when visibility is poor. But switch to your low beams if fog, snow, rain or smoke are making it hard for you to see. Your high beams can reflect in these conditions and cause glare. 

Be sure to use your low beams if you’re following another car or there’s a car driving toward you. Your high beams could blind the other driver.

1. Dim Your Inside Lighting

Bright dashboard lights can make it harder for you to see by reflecting off your windshield and causing glare. Your car might dim the dashboard lights automatically when your headlights are on. If not, dim them yourself so you can see better.

1. Maintain Your Lights

Be sure your headlights and taillights are clean and working properly. Replace any bulbs that stop working as soon as you can, so you can see, and other drivers can see you. Keep in mind that if one headlight goes out, the other is likely to follow before long and leave you in the dark.

1. Fight Fatigue

When you’re driving at a time of day you’d normally be relaxing, resting or sleeping, you’re more likely to be tired or even fall asleep behind the wheel. Don’t count on rolling down the window or blasting your music to keep you awake. Stop at least every two hours to get out of the car and move your body a bit. Be sure to choose safe, well-lit areas for your breaks.

1. Watch Out for Wildlife

Pay attention to those “deer crossing” signs you see and watch for animals in general. An animal that you could easily spot during the day can seem to come out of nowhere when it’s dark.

1. Be Extra Careful if You’re a Teen or Young Adult

At what age are you most likely to fall asleep on the road? According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, drivers aged 16 to 24 are 80% more likely to be in a drowsy driving crash than adults aged 40 or older. That’s part of the reason many states have nighttime driving restrictions, where young or new drivers aren’t allowed to drive during certain hours.

Be Sure You’re Protected, Day or Night

No matter what time of day it is, accidents can happen. Talk to your Farm Bureau agent about your auto insurance policy to make sure you have the coverage you need. Also, ask them about our Emergency Roadside Assistance that can help you in the case of a breakdown or accident, especially at night.