Night Driving Safety Tips
Nighttime driving is significantly more dangerous than driving during the day. Recent research has found that driving during the period from when the sun goes down to when the sun rises is approximately nine times more deadly than driving during the daytime. In fact, the number of fatality accidents peaks between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., even though there are fewer vehicles on the roads.
Our team at Ankin Law created this guide to provide actionable night driving safety tips and insights to help drivers navigate the challenges of nighttime driving safely. Whether you’re commuting home after work, taking a road trip, or simply running errands after dark, these tips will help you prepare for the road ahead and reduce your risk of getting injured in a crash.
Understanding the Risks of Night Driving
Driving at night presents unique challenges and risks. With reduced visibility, an increased likelihood of encountering impaired or drowsy drivers, and environmental hazards like wildlife or poorly lit roads, it’s no surprise that the risk of accidents is significantly higher after dark.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all fatal car accidents occur at night, even though only about 25% of motor vehicle traffic happens during the nighttime hours. As such, the rate of fatalities during the night is approximately three times higher than during the day. Alarmingly, the rate of pedestrian deaths that happen at night is even higher. Research by the American Automobile Association (AAA) nearly 75% of fatal pedestrian accidents occur after the sun goes down.
Understanding the risks of driving at night and exploring ways to address these challenges can help your family stay safe when you hit the road after dark.
Night driving inherently limits a driver’s ability to see clearly. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are all diminished in low-light conditions. Glare from oncoming headlights or poorly aimed beams can further impair visibility, creating a hazardous driving environment.
- Make sure your vehicle’s headlights are clean, properly aimed, and functional.
- Avoid staring directly at oncoming lights, and instead focus slightly to the right of the road.
- Slow down to compensation for reduced visibility.
Drowsy driving is a significant contributor to nighttime accidents. According to the NHTSA, fatigue impairs reaction times, decision-making, and alertness—similar to alcohol impairment.
- Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep before driving.
- Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles during long trips.
- Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m. when the body’s circadian rhythm naturally promotes sleep.
The likelihood of encountering impaired drivers rises significantly at night, particularly during weekends and holidays. Approximately 54% of people killed in nighttime accidents were in crashes involving at least one driver with a BAC of .08 or higher. Alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers often exhibit erratic behaviors, such as sudden lane changes or inconsistent speeds.
- Keeping a safe following distance.
- Reporting suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement.
- Avoiding roads near bars or entertainment venues during late hours.
Wildlife is more active during the nighttime hours, particularly in rural areas. Deer, raccoons, and other animals can suddenly dart onto the road, posing a danger to drivers and passengers. Additionally, your car’s headlight beams can startle wild animals, causing them to be disoriented or act erratically.
- Use high beams on rural roads when no other vehicles are present.
- Be especially cautious in areas marked with wildlife crossing signs.
- Slow down and remain alert, especially during dusk and dawn.
Preparing for Night Driving
As we explore ways to address these challenges, we should also delve into strategies to prepare for and navigate the unique demands of night driving. From vehicle maintenance to defensive driving techniques, these night driving safety tips will equip you to handle the road safely after dark.
Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is equipped for safe night driving:
- Check that all lights are functioning.
- Aim headlights properly to avoid blinding other drivers.
- Clean your headlight lenses to improve the effectiveness of the headlamp.
- Clean these surfaces to reduce glare and improve visibility.
- Make sure your mirrors are adjusted correctly for maximum visibility.
- Locate adjustment controls and dimming switches before you start driving.
- Inspect tire pressure and add air if necessary.
- Check tread depth to ensure optimal traction.
- Look for worn spots and replace your tires if you notice abnormalities.
- Locate wiper controls and familiarize yourself with how they work.
- Replace worn wiper blades.
- Top off windshield washer fluid.
Since our bodies are naturally programmed to sleep at night, you’re more likely to feel drowsy when you’re driving after dark. Your body also produces melatonin at night. Melatonin can make you feel sleepy, even if you’ve recently had caffeine. To help combat drowsiness, make sure to get enough sleep the night before your trip. Taking frequent breaks can also help you recharge. Consider stopping and stretching outside your vehicle every couple of hours. Staying hydrated and avoiding heavy meals can also help you remain alert.
If you find yourself yawning, spacing off, having trouble staying focused, or blinking more than usual, it’s probably time to take a break.
Make sure to adjust your interior and exterior lighting before you head out. Proper lighting adjustments can significantly improve nighttime visibility. Dim your dashboard lights to reduce glare inside the vehicle, and avoid using your interior cabin lights while you’re driving. When it comes to your exterior headlights, it’s a good idea to use your low beams when driving in well-lit areas where other motor vehicles are present. Just make sure to switch to your high beams on dark roads without oncoming traffic. When approaching other vehicles, return your headlights to the low beam setting to avoid causing glare or blinding other drivers.
Maintaining a well-stocked road safety kit is another crucial step in preparing for nighttime travel. Your kit should include essentials like a flashlight with extra batteries, reflective triangles, and a first-aid kit. Having jumper cables, a portable phone charger, and basic tools on hand can be invaluable if you encounter unexpected issues. Make sure these items are readily accessible in case of an emergency.
Planning your route in advance can significantly reduce stress and enhance safety, especially when driving at night. By choosing well-lit roads and avoiding isolated or unfamiliar areas, you can minimize hazards. Use navigation apps to stay informed about real-time traffic updates, road conditions, and other factors that may impact your trip. For longer trips, consider sharing your planned route and estimated arrival time with someone you trust.
Tips for Staying Safe While Driving at Night
Driving at night presents unique challenges that require a proactive approach to safety. A few tips for staying safe include:
Staying Mindful of Alcohol and Drug Use: Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving abilities. Designate a sober driver if you plan to drink, use rideshare services or public transportation, and encourage others to make responsible decisions.
Avoid Two-Lane Highways at Night
The NHTSA says that two-lane highways “may present the worst-case scenario for nighttime glare” when compared with multi-lane highways. The lower light levels that are common on these types of roadways create a more significant relative brightness difference between roadway backgrounds and headlight glare. Lower light levels also make nearby objects less visible, increasing your risk of getting into a collision if something is in the road.
Additionally, two-lane highways place oncoming traffic in closer proximity. As other motor vehicles approach you on a two-lane road, their headlights are more likely to create a distracting, or even disabling, glare that can make it tough to drive safely.
Since drivers in the other lane are closer to you than they typically would be on a multi-lane highway, their actions, like swerving or crossing into your lane, are more likely to cause a crash. The risk increases at night, when you can’t see as far and won’t have as much time to react.
- Less restricted roadway access
- Fewer roadway markings
- Sharper, more frequent curves
Slowing Down After Dark Can Help Keep You Safe
Approximately 37% of nighttime traffic fatalities are speeding-related crashes, according to the NHTSA. This is partially because visibility is only about 250 feet when driving at night with your low beams on. Even if you have your high beams on, the distance you can see only increases to about 500 feet. Since you can’t see as far as you can in the daytime, you’ll have less time to react to hazards in your path. At 70 mph, the stopping distance for an average passenger car is approximately 315 feet. Therefore, if you’re driving at night with your low beams on, and you’re traveling 70 mph or faster, your stopping distance is longer than the distance illuminated by your headlights. This is known as “overdriving”, and it significantly increases the risk of a collision.
Special Situations and Hazards You May Encounter at Night
From busy urban centers to the quiet expanse of rural highways, your surroundings, and the conditions you face may demand heightened awareness and adaptability.
In urban areas, be prepared for sudden stops due to pedestrians or cyclists, especially near bars or entertainment districts. Watch for jaywalkers and exercise caution around intersections, where collisions are more likely.
Rural roads often lack adequate lighting and signage. Use your high beams when appropriate, drive slowly to account for sharp curves and uneven surfaces, and remain vigilant for wildlife and livestock on the road.
Weather can exacerbate nighttime driving risks. Slow down and increase your following distance in rain, snow, or fog. Use your low beams in foggy conditions to avoid glare, and ensure your wipers and defrosters are working properly.
In the event of a breakdown, pull over to a safe location, preferably someplace that’s well-lit. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If it’s unsafe to exit the vehicle, such as on a busy highway, stay inside and wait for assistance.
Long-Term Strategies for Safer Night Driving
If you’ll be driving at night on a regular basis, consider these long-term strategies to mitigate your accident risk.
Vision is critical for safe driving. Even people who have excellent vision sometimes struggle to see upcoming curves, traffic signs, or animals lurking in the shadows after the sun goes down. Illnesses and age-related changes in our eyesight can significantly impact our ability to distinguish between light and dark when driving at night. Schedule annual eye exams to check for issues like night blindness or astigmatism. Be sure to report any symptoms, like seeing halo effects around lights, light glare sensitivity, or blurry vision to your optometrist. Consider prescription glasses with anti-glare coatings if needed.
Enroll in defensive driving courses that focus on nighttime safety and provide valuable techniques to handle challenges like reduced visibility, fatigue, and impaired drivers. These courses often include hands-on training and practical advice tailored for nighttime driving scenarios, helping you build confidence behind the wheel. Additionally, regularly reviewing your state’s traffic laws and updates ensures you stay informed about any new regulations or safety recommendations that could impact your driving habits.
Some roads and highways are safer than others at night. Consider avoiding poorly lit roads, isolated areas, rural roads with a lot of curves or hills, or highways with a high frequency of accidents. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, use real-time traffic apps like Google Maps or Waze to receive updates on road conditions, closures, or accidents. These apps may also allow you to check for alternative routes that provide better lighting or more visibility. Familiarize yourself with your route before heading out, so you can avoid distractions like focusing on your GPS while you’re driving at night.
Night driving requires heightened awareness, preparation, and caution. By understanding the risks, maintaining your vehicle, and adopting safe driving habits, you can reduce your chances of an accident and protect yourself and others on the road. Remember, the road is shared by everyone, and practicing vigilance and courtesy can make nighttime driving safer for all.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a nighttime driving accident, our experienced car accident attorneys at Ankin Law in Chicago are here to help. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions on behalf of our clients. Call us today at (312) 600-0000 for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case.