How to Be a Better and Safer Night Time Driver
Your vision at night is reduced not only because you are exhausted, but also a lack of light, which makes it tough for you to avoid possible dangers or other motorists. There is one great thing about night motoring, though, and that is less traffic on the streets, providing you with more liberty when driving.
Anytime you are about to take a drive in the dark you will want to verify your headlamps are dirt- free and running properly. It is a law for night driving that your sidelights and number plate lights be turned on. When checking your headlights you need to make sure they are aligned correctly so as not to annoy or distract other drivers. When you feel that your headlamps are not lining up you should have them tested and retuned by a professional auto mechanic.
A factor in the alignment of your headlamps can be a weighty freight in the rear or boot of your vehicle. It could cause the headlamps to be higher than normal. This can be disturbing to other road users; however, you can slightly re-align the bulbs with the adjustment switch in your vehicle.
As soon as the street lights come on where you are driving you need to turn on your headlight bulbs. Any time there is inclement weather or the sky is a dull grey you also need to have your headlights on. It allows other motorists to see you plainly. When you have a dark or dull coloured vehicle it is especially imperative that you switch on your lights, as these cars are more difficult to see.
At night, dipped beam headlights should be used at all times, however on unlit roads you should also use your main beam headlights. Always be aware that main beam headlights can dazzle other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, so always be ready to switch them off before approaching them.
When following a vehicle closely at night you should also keep your main beam lights switched off. If you plan to overtake then you should exercise extreme caution because of the reduced visibility and optical illusions created by the dark. Pay particular attention to hidden dips or bends that may affect your ability to safely overtake.
There are some things you can do to prevent the effects hazards can cause on your visibility. A person driving at night tends to be drawn to lights, especially headlights. You can avoid this feeling by looking to the left of the oncoming lights.
Always keep your windscreen clear of dirt, grease and grime as this can refract the light and be distracting, this is also true of any chips or cracks. Use the anti dazzle function on your rear view mirror when being followed at night and finally anticipate occasions when you could be dazzled, like on the approach to a right hand bend, and slow down accordingly.
You should not be afraid of driving at night, but instead enjoy the uncongested roads and the feel of freedom.
Due to the reduced visibility when night driving it is important that you always fit the best upgrade car bulbs that you can afford. Because bulb development has advanced considerably you can now install new H7 car bulbs that ensure that you can see much further into the darkness.
