AUTOMAT UPDATE
Here are 11 tips that could help reduce the risk.
1. BE EXTRA DEFENSIVE
Drinking and driving poses a bigger risk after dark as the rate of fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment is almost three times higher at night than during the day. Of course, never get behind the wheel after drinking, no matter what time of day it is (don’t drive while distracted either); but at night, it’s a good idea to put your defensive-driving instincts on high alert.2. COMBAT DROWSINESS
Drowsy-driving crashes are most likely to happen between midnight and 6 a.m, So be aware during these hours that there may be sleepy drivers on the road—and keep yourself alert. Have some caffeine, pull over in a safe area to get some rest, or stop for the night. Some drivers have reported other activities that can help: turning the radio on (not too loudly); rolling down the windows periodically for fresh air; and talking or singing to yourself.3. CLEAN UP YOUR VIEW
Dirty or damaged windshields can scatter light and potentially increase the effects of glare. The group also reports that dirty or damaged headlights can decrease your visibility and cast glare onto oncoming drivers. So clean headlights and windshields regularly; you can use a special cleaning kit for headlights.
4. AVOID TWO-LANE HIGHWAYS
Two-lane highways may be a worst -case scenario” for nighttime glare, due to oncoming cars’ headlights, lower overall light, and the fact that these roads tend to have more sharp curves and hills than a freeway. If you can, take a safer route at night.
5. SLOW DOWN.
Speeding related crashes account for 37 percent of nighttime-driving fatalities, compared with 21 percent of those during daylight hours—due to lower visibility and shorter reaction times. For example, your headlight typically shines 160 feet in front of you, but even at 40 mph, you need 190 feet to stop. Adjust your speed to take conditions like visibility into account.
6. ANGLE YOUR HEADLIGHTS CORRECTLY
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If the beams tilt down too much, you’ll lose some of the illumination you need while driving. But if they tilt too high, they can blind oncoming drivers. Some states’ annual inspection tests include checking the headlight angle—but otherwise, take the initiative to make sure yours are pointed correctly. Consumers should go to their car dealer or a repair facility for assistance.”
7. USE HIGH BEAMS WHEN APPROPRIATE
High beams are underutilized, but can be very helpful in rural areas or on open roads. Just remember to dim them when you’re within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle (so you don’t temporarily blind the other driver), and don’t use them if you’re following another vehicle. If you’re in the market for a new car. Adjust your high beams depending on the presence of other cars.
8. TWEAK YOUR INSIDE LIGHTING
If your dashboard light are too bright, glancing from the dashboard to the dark road ahead can be disorienting. Dim the interior lights at night, so that critical controls remain easily visible but not distracting,” he recommends. And use your visors at night to shield you from outdoor street lighting and glare. Many new cars,have mirrors that automatically dim the reflections from bright light.
9. LOOK IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
While you should always keep your eyes on the road, avoid a fixed gaze and never stare at oncoming headlights. When approaching an oncoming vehicle, avoid being blinded by its headlights by shifting your eyes down and to the right, using the right edge of the road or lane markings as a guide to stay on track. Lift your gaze back up when you’ve passed the oncoming vehicle.
10. TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES
Get your vision checked every year, glare becomes more problematic for people as they age. You may also need a different prescription at night.
11. TEST AND USE YOUR LIGHTS






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