Tips for Staying Safe When Driving at Night | West Coast Enterprises

Summer has officially ended, and with it, the days full of light have also drawn to a close. While the long days have both pros and cons for truck drivers, one of the biggest pros is that late sunsets reduce the amount of time that a person has to drive after dark. While not driving in the sunlight can be easier on the eyes and reduce overall UV exposure, driving at night brings certain hazards that truck drivers should be aware of.

It is estimated that around half of all traffic accidents occur during evening and nighttime hours, and between reduced visibility and fatigue, that statistic is not surprising. Below, we will be sharing some of our favorite safety tips so you can be certain that you are driving safely in the evening hours.

Safety Tips for Truck Drivers That Are Driving at Night

Avoid driving when drowsy. Driving while drowsy is far more dangerous than many people realize—in fact, experts say that it is every bit as dangerous as driving drunk. If you have to drive at nighttime when you would normally be sleeping, make sure you prepare by getting a good night of sleep the day before and take regular breaks from driving in the evening to give yourself time to rest.

Keep your windshield and mirrors clean. The glare from another car’s headlights can pose a major hazard when you are driving at night, and glares are typically exacerbated by dirty windshields. Make sure you keep yours clean to reduce the chance of glare and keep your visibility high.

Get regular eye exams. It can be difficult to know if your vision is worsening, as it is typically something that happens quite gradually. Make sure you are going to the eye doctor on a regular basis to keep up with any changes in your vision, and wear glasses or contacts as recommended by your doctor when driving during the night.

Maintain the speed limit. Speeding is always dangerous, but speeding at night is even more so. Be sure you are always adhering to posted speed limits so you have plenty of reaction time and do not risk accidentally being involved in a wreck due to irresponsible driving.

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