Tips For Winter Night Driving
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic deaths are three times greater at night than during the day.
Speeding is a common culprit in night time driving accidents and deaths. The graph below shows how dramatically reaction time, braking distance and stopping distance are changed by driving at night. The lesson here is when driving at night ALWAYS give yourself more space between other vehicles and reduce your speed.
VISIBILITY IS KEY
MAKE SURE YOUR HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED PROPERLY.
If you find that while driving with your low beams on, oncoming drivers frequently flash their brights at you, it means your lights are aimed too high. Lights aimed too low reduce your ability to react significantly.
CLEAN YOUR HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD
Before you head out in the evening check that your headlights and windshield are clean. A smeared windshield produces a halo effect that mak es it hard to see. If you’ve noticed streaks on the glass from failing windshield wipers, replace them immediately. Carry windshield wiper fluid and some newspaper in your winter emergency kit.
CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR HEAD LIGHT COVERS
Most vehicles built after the early nineties are equipped with acrylic headlights, which eventually become cloudy from debris that causes abrasions to the lens. Additionally, exposure to weather, pollutants and solar radiation can further diminish the appearance of an otherwise attractive vehicle. But more importantly, it can reduce visibility during night driving. It’s a problem that affects nearly every vehicle make and model, foreign or domestic. When headlights turn cloudy and yellow, it’s primarily caused by the deterioration of the UV layer. The oxidation of this protective layer can make the headlight appear hazy and reduce light output by more than 75 percent, which affects the safety of the driver and ultimately the resale value of the vehicle.
You may have seen advertisements online for DIY headlight restoration. In our experience this is a quick fix that only lasts a few months. We offer professional headlight restoration service. This process includes removing the cloudy and discolored surface and then applying a protective sealant. The service restores clarity and improves luminosity and can increase headlight illumination up to 300%. It’s completely safe to use and compatible with all headlight components. In addition, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
EASE EYE STRAIN
There are several ways to ease eye strain:
- Adjust rear and side view mirrors by slightly angling them down to decrease glare
- Dim console lights
- Keep your eyes moving continually
- Avoid looking straight into oncoming headlights, focus on the center line instead
- Check with your eye doctor. As eyes age they have much more trouble dealing with glare. Know your limitations and plan your trips accordingly.
SNOW
Car safety experts all agree, if you can avoid driving at night while it’s snowing, do it. The light reflecting properties of snow cause your headlights to reflect light back at you. Low visibility and driving don’t mix. Check the weather forecast before you go. If you have to drive, slow way down, be alert and stop as soon as you can.
WATCH OUT FOR WILDLIFE
If you are traveling through areas with wildlife watch for pairs of eyes. If you see them slow down. Animals are drawn to the lights and might move right in front of you.
