From Toyota on Western:
http://www.toyotaonwestern.com/service/garage.htm
Your chances of getting into a car
accident increase dramatically once the sun sets. In fact, the National
Safety Council affirms “traffic death rates are three times greater at
night than during the day.” And certain factors, like age, can make you
more susceptible to dangers during nighttime driving as well.
In all likelihood this knowledge raised your blood pressure a little.
Ours certainly went up. But while it’s disconcerting knowing about your
increased risks during nighttime driving, there are a number of steps
you can take to improve your odds. Here are a few ways to stay safe
while driving in darkness.
Remember Those Reaction Times
The
faster you’re going, the longer it takes to bring your vehicle to a
stop. The darkness dulls reaction times too, meaning that an emergency
stop can take even longer at night. Get on the road to safety by
performing these key steps when driving after hours: keep more distance
than usual between you and the car ahead and take care to reduce your
speed.
Turn Your Headlights On
Of course, few safety tips will help
if your headlights aren't on. Many cars now have daytime running lights
and/or automatic lights. If not, remember to flip the switch when the
sun begins to set and not after it's already dark. Twilight is a
dangerous time on the road – your eyes are in a constant state of
adjustment, which means they’re not as keen as during daylight.
Using the high beams to your benefit – though not when there's
oncoming traffic – will make nighttime driving easier on your eyes and
expand your sightline as well. Inconsiderate or distracted drivers often
fail to lower their high beams as vehicles approach. Avoid being
temporarily blinded by the glare by keeping your eyes trained on the
right side of the road.
…And Maintain Your Vehicle Lights
Flicking on the headlights helps
illuminate your nighttime surroundings, but it's easy to forget that
they also allow your car to be seen by others! Maximize visibility on
both ends by cleaning any grime and muck off your car's headlights,
signal lights, and taillights. This is increasingly important if you’re
spending a lot of time driving through inclement weather where your
tires will kick up dirt from the road.
It's not enough just to clean the lights though. Take the time to
check that your headlights are angled correctly. Misaligned lights are
likely to blind oncoming drivers or fall short of illuminating the
road.
Place an Importance on Visibility
We'd
say your windows are fairly important to visibility – in the nighttime
or otherwise. Yet you're not alone if you've let windshield wiper fluid
run dry and windshield wiper rubber grow hard.
Keep those two items maintained and you're already ahead of the game. Go a step further by washing all the windows when you stop to fill up your gas tank.
Keep Eyewear Handy
Whether you require all-day ocular
assistance or need glasses only for night driving, it makes sense to
have a spare pair tucked inside the glove box or another location within
reach. Forgotten specs is the glasses-wearer's burden – who knows when
you'll be short a pair. If your license notes that you’re required to
wear glasses while driving, it’s probably a good idea to follow suit.
It's equally as important to remember to slip those sunglasses off
your face once the sun dips below the horizon. It's easy to accidentally
leave them on long after it gets dark without realizing it.
Be Aware of Increased Risks
The absence of sunshine isn't the only
risk factor involved in nighttime driving; you and other drivers are
more likely to be tired. Drowsy driving reduces your reaction times –
some studies report that it's akin to driving under the influence – and
can put you in dangerous situations. Pull off the road and grab some
caffeine or shut-eye if you feel tired. There's also an increased chance
of encountering an intoxicated driver, especially on weekend nights.
Stay alert and watch for any erratic behavior behind the wheel.
Your best defense against the dangers of driving at night is
knowledge of what to do when you encounter them. Know when to expect
unsafe situations, be prepared for unexpected circumstances, and drive
cautiously to reduce your chances of getting into an after-dark
accident. Stay safe out there!
For additional help driving at night, contact West Loop Auto: http://www.chicagocollision.com/
