Blog Layout

4 Safety Tips for Driving in the Dark

Dec 11, 2021

You can encounter road hazards when driving at any time of the day, but the risk for accidents significantly increases once the sun goes down. Navigating the roadways after dark presents a unique set of challenges, leading to many auto insurance claims every year. As such, extra precautions should be taken when you get behind the wheel at night. Here are a few tips to help keep yourself and your passengers safe.

How to Drive Safely at Night

1. Use Your Headlights Correctly

Decreased visibility becomes a problem for drivers when it’s dark, so it’s essential to make sure your headlights are in good working condition and that they’re used properly. Turning on your lights an hour before sunset helps ensure your path is illuminated and other motorists can see you.

Switch your high beams on when traveling on unlit roads, unless there’s another vehicle approaching or in front of you. Avoid staring directly at the headlights of oncoming traffic to prevent the glare from temporarily impairing your vision.

2. Look Out for Animals

Some animals are more active at night. Thus, there’s a greater chance of encountering wildlife on the road if you’re driving past dusk, especially in rural areas.

Pay attention to animal crossing signs, slow down, and continuously scan your surroundings for any animals on the shoulder or the reflection of your headlights in a pair of eyes. This will help you steer clear of animal collisions.

3. Keep Your View Clear

Having a clear view of the road allows you to spot potential dangers and take appropriate action in time to avoid them. Clean the inside and outside of your windows frequently to remove dirt, bugs, and other grime, and get windshield cracks repaired to eliminate glare. Wipe down your headlights also, as cloudy or yellow lights will put out less illumination.

4. Remain Alert

Driver fatigue is another common problem, since the brain associates darkness with sleep. Falling asleep at the wheel can result in a serious accident and a costly auto insurance claim. To help you stay alert, take frequent breaks to get out and stretch, have coffee, or listen to music. If you become drowsy while driving, pull over to rest.

Deer In The Middle Of The Road — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.

An important part of making sure you’re as safe as possible when driving is investing in a quality auto insurance policy. Phil Taylor Insurance Agency offers a variety of coverage options and can help you put together a policy to provide maximum protection for your individual needs. Serving the residents of Clarksville, AR, since 1960, this agency delivers quality products at the best rates available. Call (479) 754-2616 to request a quote, or visit them online to learn more about their services.

Couple Arguing Outside — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
15 Jul, 2022
All drivers must have auto insurance to protect themselves and their vehicles. While you hope that you never have to file a claim, having the right coverage in place ensures you can access essential funds for repairs and other expenses. Here are a few reasons why drivers commonly file claims, and how the right policy can help you.
Man Inside The Car — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
16 Jun, 2022
Auto insurance saves you countless dollars when you're in an accident, and it's legally required. If you're exploring rates, you may be wondering how insurance agents determine the plan's monthly cost. Here are several universal factors they use to make their decision.
House — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
26 Apr, 2022
A home is the most valuable asset that most people own, so protecting it with adequate home insurance is a necessity. There are some common errors you'll want to avoid as you evaluate different options. Keep these tips in mind to prevent problems with your coverage.
A Picture Of A Rider — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
29 Mar, 2022
Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s still important to take extra precautions on the road. As a rider, you’re more exposed to the elements and road conditions than drivers in fully enclosed vehicles. Taking the right steps will help you stay safe while keeping your motorcycle insurance rates low. Here are some basic do's and don’ts you should know.
A Picture Of A Family — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
24 Feb, 2022
Home insurance is a valuable asset that protects your property and family. Although coverage isn't mandatory in every state, many lenders and mortgage companies do require it, so you may wonder about making sure it's affordable. Below are a few ways you can find savings.
A Picture Of A Girl — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
20 Jan, 2022
As water freezes, it can expand by nearly 10%, creating problems for your plumbing system. Ice can burst pipes from within, causing extensive damage to your plumbing and potentially flooding your home. Your home insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs , but most issues can be avoided with the following steps.
A Man Driving At Night — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
11 Dec, 2021
You can encounter road hazards when driving at any time of the day, but the risk for accidents significantly increases once the sun goes down. Navigating the roadways after dark presents a unique set of challenges, leading to many auto insurance claims every year. As such, extra precautions should be taken when you get behind the wheel at night. Here are a few tips to help keep yourself and your passengers safe.
A Cars In The Middle Of The Forest — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
28 Oct, 2021
Driving in the fall is a thrilling experience, especially when the leaves begin to change colors. However, the season brings about other changes that might result in an auto insurance claim if you aren't careful behind the wheel. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by becoming familiar with the possible risks.
Couple Looking At The Map — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
22 Sep, 2021
An RV can be a fantastic investment in your lifestyle, but it’s also exposed to a wide range of risks, from accidents to extreme weather events. RV insurance provides an umbrella of protection for your vehicle, your personal possessions, and your financial security. Because so much depends on the policy you choose, below are answers to some common questions you might have about buying insurance.
Boat — Clarksville, AR — Phil Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.
21 Aug, 2021
A boat can bring you close to the water for a cool escape from the summer heat. But while this watercraft offers an all-access pass to relaxation, remember that they present risks just as any other vehicle. Having boat insurance protects yourself from losses that result from accidents, but to stay prepared, follow these safety practices.
More Posts
Share by: