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DRIVING AT NIGHT

While only about one-third of all traffic-related incidents occur at night, more than half of the fatalities stem from nighttime driving. In fact, based on miles driven, there are two and a half times more fatalities at night than during the day. This is because less light is available, and vision is restricted. Night vision varies considerably among people. Older people generally cannot see well in the dark, and eyestrain can substantially reduce night vision. Bright light, such as lightning or high-beam headlights, can cause temporary blindness at night.

Headlights on low beam illuminate the roadside for about 150 feet. On high beam, visibility will be 350 to 400 feet. At 55 miles per hour, it takes 4.5 seconds to cover 350 feet. For night driving, control speed so that your stopping range is within headlight range.

To improve your visibility and the ability of others to see you, do the following:

• Turn your headlights on at dusk, and leave them on until full daylight
  
• Keep your headlights clean and properly aimed.
  
• Replace burned-out headlights immediately
  
• Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle or within 300 feet of a vehicle in front of you
  
• Never stare into the high beams of another car; guide your vehicle by watching the right edge of the road
  
• Do not flick your high beams up and down to remind another driver to dim his brights - it can blind him temporarily
  
• Never use high beams when going into a curve
  
• Keep your windshield clean, inside and out
  
• Keep your instrument panels dim
  
• Keep your eyes moving; avoid focusing on any one object
  
• Keep a bottle of windshield or glass cleaner in the cab for mirrors and interior windshields
  
• Keep your windows clean. Wiping the blades with club soda or carbonated water will significantly reduce streaking.
  
• If the washing solution under your hood does not leave the glass clean after 10 wiper cycles, replace the blades and/or use a stronger concentration of washing fluid
  
• Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., be particularly alert for drunk or drowsy drivers. If you notice another car with erratic speeds, weaving across lanes, or delayed starts at intersections, use extreme care in passing.
  

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