Lesson Four: Driving at Night (7.4)

Driving at Night

Driving at night requires additional precautions than driving during the day. The darkness that comes with nighttime makes driving riskier because the perceptions of space, speed, and distance are hindered. Drivers lose the advantage of color and contrast that is available during the day.  Depth perception and peripheral vision are also diminished.

Nighttime Risks

The risk of crashes and collisions dramatically increase at night.

Why is driving at night riskier? Drivers are more likely to be fatigued, under the influence, or traveling at speeds too fast for conditions.  These all increase your chances of being involved in a crash at night. Take personal responsibility for being physically and mentally prepared to drive at night. If you are not physically and mentally prepared for the driving task do not drive.

Vehicle Condition

The vehicle’s condition can increase the risk.

There are things that you can do to improve your visibility. Make sure that all your lights are clean and in good working order.  Dim your dash and accessory lights.  To reduce glare from headlights in your rearview mirror, adjust your day/night switch on your mirror.  Glare from headlights can be blinding. Glance to the right to avoid the glare.

Headlights

The type of headlights and your speed affect your ability to see at night.

Low beam headlights illuminate  _______________ feet.

High beam headlights illuminate _______________ feet.

Here is the legal requirement for headlight usage: sunset to sunrise and when your visibility is less than 1000 feet ahead. During daylight hours use low beams and whenever environmental conditions cause low visibility.

Low beams:

High beams:

Fog lights:

When your stopping distance is further ahead than your headlights illuminate, you are overdriving the headlights. Reduce your speed. The faster the car is traveling, the more space it needs to stop.

To help manage the risks associated with driving at night, make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared for the driving task.  Search more aggressively for any movement along the roadway for roadway users in dark clothing.  Animals commonly come out at night and usually you can only see their reflective eyes.