4 Safety Tips for Driving in the Dark

December 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.

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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.

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