Staying safe when driving in the dark.
Ah, fall. The leaves are turning, the scent of pumpkin spice fills the air, and… the days get shorter. Autumn is the start of many exciting times, but commuting to and from work in the dark is not one of them. Not only does fall bring inclement weather, but driving in the dark can be dangerous, even for the most skilled of drivers. To help, we’ve rounded up a few essential tips that can help you stay safe while driving in the dark.
Use your lights carefully
It’s illegal and dangerous to drive at night without properly functioning front and rear lights. Get into the habit of checking that all of your car’s lights are working correctly. Only on unlit roads when no one is in front of you should you use your full beam lights. When encountering another vehicle, switch back to dipped beams straight away so that you don’t dazzle the driver.
Be prepared for glare
To prevent yourself from becoming dazzled, never look directly at the headlights of other vehicles. The glare can temporarily impair your vision, increasing the possibility of an accident. When driving at night, look slightly to the right of the road and follow the white markings. Remember to clean your windows inside and out to prevent smears and grease from distorting your vision.
Drive defensively
Although you should drive defensively at all times of the year, doing so during fall and winter is especially important because of the adverse road conditions. Remember to leave plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. Drive slowly through rural areas where wildlife activity can be high and always scan the road ahead of you looking for animals and pedestrians.
These tips can help you drive safely in the dark. Make sure you have an affordable
auto insurance policy in place. When looking for your next policy, remember that the Lone Star locals at Reata Insurance Group can help. From San Antonio to Beaumont, Amarillo to Houston, we serve Texas motorists with the quality car insurance they need and deserve.
