Risk is a constant when operating a vehicle, but it often multiplies as driving at night. Although it is an activity that many people carry out daily without problems, it is important to be aware that there are several factors that can threaten safety when the sun goes down: first of all, there is poor visibility due to the absence of light natural. Darkness increases the chances of hitting other vehiclesrunning over animals or people and even hitting unknown objects that are on the road, as can occur in the presence of other risk situations such as rain or heavy snowfall.
Secondly, it highlights the tiredness or fatigue, a state that all people experience after a long day of work or study and that it is determined by the need for rest that every body requires.
For these reasons, in driver’s license application processes, the authorities impose restrictions on inexperienced adult drivers and adolescents who have a learner’s permit, and among those restrictions there is a ban on driving at certain hours of the night to keep them safe from traffic accidents or other unfortunate events.
How to stay safe when driving at night in the United States?
Despite the risks involved in night driving, many people are forced to practice it for one reason or another. In fact, beyond the possible restrictions that are imposed at certain ages, every average driver with a valid license can drive at any time of the night without this being a reason for penalties, which translates into a latent risk. Nevertheless, the following recommendations can be taken into account to stay safe:
1. Drive to a speed less than 90 kilometers per hour. The idea is to be able to stop on time at any time, if necessary. At high speeds, this would be impossible.
2. Turn on headlights at sunset. When daylight begins to diminish, visual acuity in drivers also decreases.
3. Whenever possible, look around and use your rearview mirrors to have greater control over the environment and not interfere with the progress of other drivers.
4. Keep a preventive distance from other vehicles driving in front. It is advisable to consider as an approximate measure the space necessary for one or two cars in front of us.
5. During long night trips, make constant stops. These stops will serve to rest, relax the body and check the vehicle systems. They can also be used to clean the windows with the intention of having a better visual field.
7. If there are symptoms of tiredness, fatigue or drowsiness, it is important to stop as soon as possible. In these cases, have an energy drink or coffee It can be of great help to continue and reach our destination. If the symptoms persist or are very strong, it is advisable to stop in a safe place and take a nap to recover.
8. Use the low beams, whenever necessary, to warn other drivers. That way, they can brake on time and there is less risk of a collision.
9. Use your high beams while driving, as long as there is no risk of dazzling other drivers. These lights allow you to see possible obstacles at a greater distance.
10. Avoid turning on the internal light of the vehicle while driving. Such light can contribute to considerably diminishing the ability to see outwards.
The use of smartphones and other devices while driving, —besides being prohibited by all authorities in the United States— it is extremely dangerous at any time of the day, but much more so at night. In this sense, it is also necessary to avoid it because, according to experts, it represents the greatest distraction for any driver, since it involves all the senses necessary for responsible driving: it looks away from the road to concentrate on the screen, it forces the driver to separate hands off the wheel and can also influence the driver psychologically.
Apps to drive at night safely
Currently, technology is the driver’s best ally. In addition to the assisted driving systems that many vehicles have and that can be very useful while driving at night, there are some applications for smartphones and smart devices that can contribute to our safety behind the wheel at this time of day. Some of the most prominent are:
1. Drive Awake
It is an application designed to emit alarms every time it perceives possible symptoms of drowsiness in the driver. In other words, this app can detect certain gestures and movements related to this state in people and can warn them to keep them safe.
2. Anti Drowse
Unlike the previous one, Anti Drowse is programmed to emit noises throughout the trip. In that sense, it is perfect for keeping the driver awake until he reaches his destination.
3. Cofeewake
This application is programmed to emit vibrations from time to time to keep the driver awake. It is recommended to make the settings before the trip and put the phone in your pocket for safety.
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