Late-night driving tips for a safe road trip
While driving during the day is great, sometimes you may have to hit the road after sunset. On such occasions, you might encounter areas without working street lights or drivers in the opposite lane who blind you with their high beams. While you can't control these situations, you can be a cautious driver to stay safe. Here are some safety tips for late-night drives.
Make sure your lighting is adequate
Ensure your car's headlights provide sufficient illumination. Cars with LEDs usually offer better visibility. For older cars with halogen bulbs, consider using more powerful ones. You may install additional lights but don't place them higher than one and a half meters from the ground. It is wise to invest in fog lamps to enhance road visibility and detect obstacles like speed breakers or potholes.
Keep an eye out for cars with non-functional headlights
You might have seen a car running with just one working headlight. This can be a huge threat on two-lane roads. In many places in India, you will even find bullock carts without headlights or reflector strips. To stay safe from these dangers while driving at night, be extra cautious and maintain a safe distance from any vehicle ahead.
Stay vigilant and drive defensively to prevent accidents
You probably already follow some smart tactics to avoid accidents, like checking your blind spot before changing lanes. But when driving at night, you need to be extra careful. The darkness can hide animals, pedestrians, and road signs. The chances of collisions with cyclists or pedestrians are high at night. You can slow down and use high beams responsibly, without hindering other drivers' visibility.
Stay hydrated to stay alert and awake
When it gets dark, our bodies naturally want to sleep, making it challenging to start a road trip without rest. One of the best practices is to drink water often while driving. Nighttime driving can make you feel drowsy, but you can try turning off the AC and opening the windows for fresh air. If needed, make a brief stop for a caffeinated drink.
Don't look directly at headlights coming toward you
Even if you drive carefully, you can't control how others behave on the road. One useful tip for driving at night is to avoid looking directly at oncoming lights. When you spot a car coming at you, resist the urge to stare into its headlights. By doing so, you will prevent any blinding glare and be able to drive safely.
