7 Tips to Drive Safe at Night in Burnaby

Should you drive there tonight or wait until morning? It's a question many drivers face. Reduced visibility and a greater risk of drowsiness make night driving more challenging. However, if you need to drive tonight, here are 7 tips for staying safe on the road:

1.    Don’t Drive When Tired

The less rested you are, the less attentive you'll be while driving. If your eyelids feel heavy and your attention wanes, it's time to act. Drinking caffeine, listening to music, or getting fresh air by opening a window can help boost alertness.

However, if these don't work, be honest with yourself. Instead of risking it, find a safe place to stop and rest. Whether you need just a couple of hours to recharge or a full night's sleep, don't hesitate to give yourself the time you need.

2.    Steer Clear of Two-Lane Highways

Driving down a two-lane highway at night, with no other cars in sight, you go around a turn and suddenly blinded by high beams. This is a common risk of driving on two-lane highways at night. To avoid the glare from oncoming headlights, try to stick to roads with multiple lanes if possible. You can minimize the blinding effect by moving over to the rightmost lane.

3.    Your Windshields and Mirrors Should Be Clean

Visibility is crucial for safety when driving at night. The better you can see, the safer you'll be. Make sure your windshield and mirrors are clean and clear. A dirty windshield scatters light and worsens glare, so use the windshield cleaner as often as needed.

4.    Modify Car’s Interior Lights

Light sources inside your car can be distracting as your eyes shift between the road and the dashboard. To avoid this, keep unnecessary interior lights off and dim your display lights. Make sure you can still see important features like your speedometer without being distracted by excessive light.

5.    Adjust Your Headlights

Your headlights are crucial when driving at night, so make sure they're in top condition. Keep the protective plastic clean and ensure the bulbs are bright enough. The angle of your headlights is also important.

If they’re too low, you won’t see what’s ahead; if they’re too high, you risk blinding oncoming traffic. If you can’t adjust your headlights, a dealership or auto shop can help.

6.    Use High Beams When Needed

Properly functioning high beams dramatically improve visibility and make driving much safer, especially on poorly lit roads. However, their brightness can blind oncoming drivers, so switch to low beams when you see approaching traffic.

7.    Drive Slow at Night

When driving at night, reduced visibility and the increased likelihood of encountering distracted drivers make it essential to drive slower. This gives you more time to react to unexpected situations, like a deer on the road or an upcoming stop sign.

Be extra cautious with your speed in wet or icy conditions. Our driving instructors at Karun Driving School recommend reducing your speed by one-third in rainy weather and half in snowy conditions. Additionally, watch your speed when approaching slower vehicles.

Maintain a three-second gap between you and the car in front. If the car ahead passes a telephone pole, you should pass it three seconds later. This rule is always important, but especially so at night.

Driving at night poses increased safety risks, but knowing what to watch out for and being proactive can help keep you safe. If you’re afraid of driving at night or want to improve your driving skills you can consider Karun Driving School for professional driving lessons in Burnaby.

Book your seat with us now to overcome the fear of driving at night and drive the way you mean it.