3 safety tips for driving at night time

The roads across Virginia present numerous potential hazards to drivers. Often, it is thought that busier traffic periods during the day are the biggest dangers. However, research suggests that a crash is three times more likely to happen at night.

Fortunately, there are measures that road users can take to protect themselves. Outlined below are three safety tips for driving at night time:

1. Check your lights before starting out

Headlights and signals are some of the most useful ways to ensure that you remain visible on the roads. However, they can malfunction, resulting in a need to replace or fix them. It is far better to discover faulty lights while carrying out tests than once you are on the road. Additionally, dust, dirt and other debris can cover up lights. Thus, it is important to make sure that lights stay clean. 

2. Manage your energy

It is never in your best interests to drive when you feel fatigued. Being tired means that your reaction times and concentration levels may not be optimal. This could lead to an increased possibility of a collision. Importantly, symptoms of fatigue frequently do not present themselves until you are on the road. As a result, it is vital to pull over and rest in the event that tiredness overcomes you while operating a vehicle. 

3. Use high beams appropriately

High beams can be a real asset in terms of optimizing your vision while driving at night, particularly in rural areas. Rural areas do not tend to have the same light coverage from street lights and buildings, making vehicle lights even more important. However, high beams can also be to the detriment of other drivers. It is crucial to look out for oncoming vehicles, to ensure that you do not obstruct their vision with bright headlights. 

Recognizing different ways to protect yourself while driving at night time could ensure your safety. If you are injured in a road traffic accident, however, there may be legal options open to you for compensation for your losses.