Night drives are fun. At night, there will be lesser traffic on the roads, and the cooler (and denser) air allows your engine to burn fuel better, subsequently leading to better performance and higher fuel efficiency.
However, night drives can be as dangerous as they are fun. All the dangers of driving during the day are amplified at night. Visibility is low, there are higher chances of drunk drivers and you are more likely to be drowsy. Moreover, if an accident takes place, the chances of finding help are also reduced.
There are several steps you can take to make your night driving experience safer and more enjoyable.
Drive safely in low-light conditions with these tips
Here are the top 5 safety tips for night driving.
1. Wipe the Windshield with Newspaper
Instead of using your hands to clean your windshield, it is smarter to clean it with a newspaper. This is because when you clean your windshield with your bare hands, it causes the oil from your hands to stick to the glass. This causes smudges that could block your vision at night.
2. Make Use of the Fog Lamps
Fog lamps have a wider reach than regular headlamps and can help you see farther as well. This makes them great for driving at night, and not just in foggy weather. However, you need to be careful as well, since fog lamps tend to project big shadows of small potholes, bumps and rocks.
3. Be Careful of the Animals
The light beams from headlights lend to reflect off the eyes of animals that might be on the road. This is a good way to spot them at night on country roads that don’t have street lamps. Slow down in case an animal crosses your path, instead of trying to get past it, as that scares them more and increases the chances of an accident.
4. Adjust and Clean Your Mirrors
Cleaning and adjusting your rear-view and side mirrors is a basic step whenever you go out to drive, be it day or night. However, it is especially important at night to ensure that there are no smudges on them.
5. Wear the Right Glasses
These days, there are a lot of companies that sell glasses specifically for night driving. It is better to stop and evaluate these carefully before buying. More often than not, a pair of regular/ plain glasses with anti-glare lenses is the best choice.
Car maintenance tips for night safety
Proper car maintenance plays a crucial role in enhancing visibility and vehicle performance at night. Here are some must-follow tips:
Check and clean your headlights
Cloudy or dim headlights reduce your ability to see and be seen. Clean the lights and upgrade to brighter halogen or LED lights if necessary.
Inspect taillights and indicators
Ensure that all lights are functioning well. Faulty taillights or indicators not only compromise your safety but could also lead to fines.
Test your brakes and tires
At night, stopping distance can be critical. Ensure your brake pads are in good condition and your tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated.
Check battery health
A weak battery is more likely to fail in colder night conditions. Have it tested regularly and replace it if it’s nearing the end of its life.
Keeping your vehicle in top condition is not only good practice but could also influence the cost and validity of your car insurance policy in the event of a claim.
Tech tools to assist with night driving
Modern vehicles come with a range of technologies designed to make night driving safer. Here are a few you should consider:
- Automatic high beam assist: This system switches between high and low beams depending on oncoming traffic, allowing you to focus on the road without dazzling others.
- Night vision assist systems: Available in some premium cars, these systems detect pedestrians, animals, or obstacles in low visibility and highlight them on your dashboard.
- Lane departure warning systems: Fatigue can lead to drifting between lanes. These systems alert you if you unintentionally swerve, helping prevent accidents.
- Blind spot detection: Night time makes it harder to see other vehicles in your blind spots. These sensors send a warning before changing lanes for a safer driving experience.
- Navigation with real-time traffic updates: A GPS with live traffic alerts can guide you through better-lit, less congested routes, reducing stress and driving time.
Conclusion
Night driving does not have to be stressful; with the right preparation and tools, it can be as safe as driving during the day. Prioritise routine maintenance, use available technology and drive cautiously. Don’t forget to stay protected with a valid car insurance policy that suits your driving needs. If you are relying on third-party car insurance, understand its limitations and consider upgrading to a more comprehensive plan for complete protection.
FAQ
1. Is night driving more dangerous than daytime driving?
Yes. Problems such as lower visibility, tiredness and the chances of meeting impaired drivers on the road make it comparatively difficult to drive during the daytime. However, with the correct safety measures and experience, most drivers can sail through night journeys.
2. Will my third-party car insurance cover damage caused at night?
Third-party car insurance only covers damage to other people or their property. It won’t cover damage to your own car, regardless of whether the accident occurred during the day or night.
3. How can I reduce glare while driving at night?
Use the night setting on your rearview mirror, avoid staring into oncoming headlights and keep all windows and mirrors clean.
4. Does a comprehensive car insurance policy offer better protection at night?
Yes. A comprehensive policy covers both third-party liabilities and damages to your own vehicle, offering peace of mind during night driving.
5. How often should I check my car lights?
Ideally, inspect all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators) weekly and before any long night journey.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.