An evening drive can be the most relaxing way to unwind. You can listen to music, the roads are relatively empty, and overall the peaceful can be fun. However, it is well known that there are several times that driving can be slightly more dangerous.
They are evening drives, long-distance drives and severe weather like sleet, snow and heavy rain that can impact your safety. During driving lessons learners will experience many different situations. One situation that doesn’t always come up (depending on what time of day you take your lessons) is driving in the dark. Awareness needs to be higher, and you’ll use all of the skills you learned on your lessons and then some.
Of course, long-distance driving and adverse weather conditions are pretty self-explanatory when it comes to driving. Long-distance drives tend to make people sleepy, due to things like highway hypnosis.
Severe weather can make visibility a little low, stopping times need to be extended, and strong winds on a long stretch of road can physically move your car.
However, evening and late-night driving do have a range of things that could be considered dangerous. And while there is a lot to look at cruising down an almost empty road in the evenings, there are a few things that you should watch out for.
Animals
Depending on where you live, you might have to watch out for animals like deers or foxes.
These are more likely to step out on country roads between October and January; however, by using your high beams, you’ll be able to spot them hopefully in plenty of time.
Typically the deer will stop when it sees your headlights, which will cause you to slow down, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the movements because there is often more than one deer, and they panic when faced with bright lines.
Headlights
Many people don’t consider changing the angles of their lights when they decide to drive in the evening. If you have a car with the capability to change the tilt of your lights and even drive, you should change it from down to up.
That extra illumination will give you a much better view of the road. It is not often that high beams are actually used correctly, they are incredibly useful and on roads with a lot less light, it is vital that you remember to dim them when you are within the 500 feet of oncoming traffic.
Defensive
Most drivers are naturally defensive – some aren’t. As it gets darker, if you are not a particularly defensive driver, it pays for you to change your driving style. This will just mean you are slightly more vigilant and defensive.
It is also essential that you pay attention to any safety initiatives within the area you are driving. Even when the road is empty, if it requires between 20 and 50 km/h, the chances are there is a good reason for it.
Tired
Many people are still tempted to drive even when they are just slightly tired. But most crashes actually happened between midnight and 6 am because most people are used to sleeping at this time instead of driving.
Due to the dark roads, people tend to increase speed, and it is more likely that you will run into somebody who has been drinking before they have taken to the streets.
So if you find yourself yawning or a slight bit sleepy before you were meant to take off on a journey, it’s better to postpone it to a possible.
Food
Everyone knows not to drink when you’re driving. It may, however, be less obvious that you also need to be careful about what you eat before you drive. If you have a heavy meal, even without alcohol, then there’s a strong chance you’ll want to sleep afterward.
An after-dinner coffee may help for a while but the effect will wear off at some point. Besides, you really don’t want to have to be relying on artificial stimulants to keep yourself awake at the wheel. In general, if you’re going out for dinner, book a ride home (and there too if necessary). Even if you have to pay for it, it’s better than having to pay for an auto accident attorney.
Driving on an empty stomach can also make it hard to concentrate. If you’re in a rush to get somewhere do try to find time to eat something light before you drive. You might even want to keep some snacks in your car so you’re always prepared.
Nighttime driving can be relaxing, and the ideal way to arrive somewhere lovely and early in the morning, but you should always pay attention to the safety aspects so that you can get there in one piece and with confidence.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
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