Safety tips for night driving

Take it easy

Yes, you may not have many other cars to deal with on the road and yes, there may not be anyone in sight but that doesn’t mean you go pedal to the metal. Make sure you keep an eye out for any surprises that may be lurking on the side. Visibility goes down considerably after dark and the only light source you have is your own vehicle’s. It is also difficult for other road users and pedestrians to judge your speed in the night. Go easy, always watch for danger and leave a sufficiently larger margin for error.

Check those lights

Make sure your car’s headlights and tail lights are in proper working order. Your headlights are the only source of light on most highways in India and your tail lights will help vehicles behind to spot you in time to slow down.

Stare away from the glare

Avoid looking directly into the glare from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, keep your eyes on the road in front of you. You can even use the beam of the approaching car to scan for obstacles that your headlight beam hasn’t reached yet.

Keep clean, wash and wipe

Having a clean windshield will not only reduce glare from an oncoming vehicle, it will also make your visibility much better. Make sure to wash and wipe your windscreen thoroughly before setting out. Soap water in your washer/wiper helps too.

Don’t over-stress, Get a power nap!

If you start feeling sleepy, don’t push yourself any more. There is no shame in stopping by the side of the road and getting a quick nap. A power nap of about 20-30 minutes will keep you fresh for hours and keep you safe too!