It’s summertime and people are on the go for vacation or work. Oftentimes, night driving is preferred because it’s cooler and there’s less traffic. But nighttime brings inherent dangers to driving, and this worsens with the weather, like a sudden thunderstorm.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you drive in or through New Hampshire this summer at night.
Tip No. 1: Follow the rules of the road.
This may seem obvious – and it is – but for safe night driving, it is all the more imperative to follow the rules of the road. At night, you have limited sight distance. Use your headlights. Refrain from tailgating. Do not speed.
When you do not follow these and other rules of the road, you place yourself, your passengers, and other people at higher risk of an auto accident more so at night than during the day.
For example, driving too closely at night is more dangerous than during the day for many reasons. First, the driver of the other vehicle may become nervous with you so close at night and react in a negative way. Second, your headlights can affect the driver in front of you while he or she drives. Third, if anything happens, your vision is reduced, and you have less time to react in a preventative way.
Tip No. 2: Drive more defensively.
This tip follows the first tip. Be more defensive while you drive. Keep your space from other cars. Refrain from using any electronics. Pay attention to traffic signs, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area. Drive according to the weather and road conditions.
Tip No. 3: Keep headlights clean and working.
If you have been driving for a while, your headlights will get dirty. Keep them clean and make sure both headlights are working. This task will ensure you have the best possible sight distance at night.
When the headlights are dirty, light can be directed elsewhere but the road. When only one headlight works, your vision is halved. These can make driving at night more dangerous.
Tip No. 4: Stay awake and alert.
It’s late and so your body wants to rest. Make sure you were well rested prior to driving. When your eyelids start to get heavy, pull over into a rest area and take a brisk walk around the parking lot or do some jumping jacks.
Remember, too, that at night, animals come out. So it is important not only to stay awake but to remain alert. Keep your eyes moving so you can remain aware of your surroundings.
Tip No. 5: Have a safe trip.
Driving at night can be peaceful. Less traffic. No burning sunlight. And sometimes a shooting star. But sometimes that peace can be shattered.
If you are in a car accident, you should be sure to get medical attention regardless of how minor you think your injury is. This is important especially if you are traveling. You want to first make sure you are healthy to drive – although your vehicle may have suffered damage as well, so you will have to work out that situation before driving, too. Seeking medical attention for any minor injury provides a record of medical care in the case you need to file a claim later.
When the accident is one that is serious enough, make sure to contact a New Hampshire car accident attorney to have your questions answered and to obtain representation if necessary.
But if you follow the above tips, hopefully, you can refrain from getting into a car accident and enjoy your trip without incident.