💡 Use Headlights Properly
- Turn on headlights 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise — or just turn them on at dusk.
- Use high beams on dark roads with no traffic; they can illuminate up to 400 feet ahead.
- Dim high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic or 300 feet behind another vehicle.
- If another car’s high beams blind you, flash your lights quickly (don’t retaliate), and look toward the right edge of your lane to avoid being blinded.
🐢 Reduce Speed and Increase Following Distance
- Visibility is reduced at night — increase following distance from 3 to 4 seconds or more.
- By the time headlights reveal a hazard, you’ll need extra space to react safely.
👀 Keep Eyes Moving
- Don’t stare straight ahead — scan the sides of the road.
- Look for reflections from animal eyes or pedestrian flashlights.
- Watch for faint light patterns indicating intersections or oncoming vehicles.
🔧 Dashboard Lighting
- Dim dashboard and infotainment lights — bright lights inside reduce night vision.
🚫 Avoid Looking at Oncoming Lights
- If someone forgets to dim their brights, focus on the road’s right edge or fog line.
😴 Fatigue at Night
- Your body’s natural rhythm promotes sleep at night — take breaks.
- Watch for signs: yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting, zoning out.
- If tired, pull over and nap. Don’t push through fatigue.
👓 Glasses for Night
- Wear anti-reflective glasses if needed.
- Clean windshields and lenses to avoid halos and glare.
⚠️ Night Hazards
- Drunk drivers are more common late at night (1–3 AM).
- Drive extra defensively — watch for weaving or vehicles without headlights.
🦌 Animals
- Many animals are active at dusk and dawn.
- Use high beams in rural areas.
- Brake firmly for animals — don’t swerve into danger.
- If you see one deer, assume more are nearby.
🧭 Navigation
- Landmarks may be hard to spot — use GPS voice prompts and don’t stare at the screen.