Driving comes with more dangers at night than during the day. Several factors affect driving at night, including compromised vision, fatigue after a long day, and busy roads during rush hour. Here are three nighttime driving tips to help avoid accidents that can require auto repair, or worse, injury or loss of life.

What Are Some Nighttime Driving Tips?

1. Be Alert

Being a defensive driver is crucial at any time of the day, but more so at night. Because of limited light, it’s important to focus on the road and avoid distractions at all costs. Be extra conscious about what’s going on around you and train yourself to keep an eye out for cyclists, pedestrians, or animals that may be harder to spot at night.

2. Slow Down

Speed and a compromised nighttime vision make for dangerous driving conditions that can lead to accidents and auto repair. Even if you’re familiar with the road you’re traversing, it’s still best to reduce your speed when driving at night. Doing so will give you enough time to stop if you come across something on the road that you haven’t anticipated due to low light conditions. 

3. Use High Beams

High beams can be extremely useful in illuminating the road, especially if you’re traveling in rural areas without enough road lights. However, it’s also crucial to be familiar with high beam etiquette. Don’t use high beams when you’re directly following another vehicle. Also, dim the lights when you’re about 500 feet away from another car. 

Just because you’re a safe driver doesn’t mean everyone on the road is. If an accident occurs, reach out to Kettering-Oakwood Automotive. Serving clients around Dayton, OH, this auto shop offers brake repair, engine repair, transmission repair, and other auto repair services. They make it a point to explain every service before starting an auto repair thoroughly, and they offer an estimate for the work. Call (937) 299-2468 or visit their website to request a service appointment.