WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011
Driving at night is significantly more dangerous and although there are generally less cars on the road at night, traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day, according to the National Safety Council. Yet many of us make no changes to our driving when the sun goes down. After dusk, vision is severely limited, depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are compromised, reaction times are slowed, and most people are tired after a long day of being awake.
- The most important thing to reduce night time accidents is ensuring that your car is visible. This means making sure that all exterior lighting is not only working, but is cleaned off and visible from oncoming traffic. Having clean lights as well as clean windows is pivotal for night time driving. Clean windows, including your windshield and all side windows reduces distraction, glare, makes side mirrors easier to use and will allow you to focus more on the road than trying to see through a smeared windshield.
- Driving at night requires a little more attention and concentration than daytime driving. When driving at night, reduce your speed and keep your eyes at least 4-5 seconds ahead of you. Because your reaction time is limited, extending your focal point is essential. Keep your focal point moving by shifting your eyes from side to side. Looking around will help avoid "highway hypnosis" which can lead to drowsy drivers.
- Most drivers make the mistake of flashing their lights to oncoming cars for not turning off their high beams. This can be a tragic mistake. Instead, focus on the white line to the right until the driver passes by, this will avoid glare and a possible head on collision. If you're receiving glare from your back windshield caused by another driver following too closely, pull off the side of the road and allow them to pass. If streetlights cause a lot of glare, dim your dashboard lights and avoid using any other light inside your vehicle.
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The best tip of all is to take a heavy dose of common sense and drive only when you are fully alert and able to pay attention to the road. If you're on a road trip, don't hesitate to pull into a rest stop or a motel to catch a few Z's before heading on your way.
Have questions about your auto insurance policy? We're here to take care of all your Louisville auto insurance needs. Give us a call at (502) 933-2255 to speak to one of our agents or get a free, instant auto insurance quote online from Claude Reynolds Insurance.
By Matt Reynolds - Google+
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