5 tips for safer night driving

Driving, while an essential part to daily life, is only so safe and poses many hazards to drivers and passengers alike. However, driving in the dark is especially unsafe when compared to driving during the daytime. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), almost half of all traffic related fatalities happen during the night, even though only 25% of travel traffic occurs then. Refraining from night driving isn’t the most feasible of options and, instead, you should practice safer driving habits during this time of the day. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy to follow guide on how to make your nightly commute safer.

Have your windshield cleaned

Your windshield is the one thing that lets you see the world and the road right in front of you. A dirty windshield will make it difficult to see during the day, but even more so at night. Make sure to clean both the inside and outside of your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s windshield before your next night driving commute. And, if you notice your windshield wipers are worn or need replacing, this would be a good time to get that taken care of in case something obstructs your view.

Drive alert

Being fatigued while driving your Orlando Toyota vehicle can lead to serious accidents and hurt yourself and other drivers in the process. Before getting behind the wheel for your night driving commute, make sure you’re well rested and alert. If you feel tired during your drive, find the nearest rest area and try to sleep as much as possible before getting back on the road.

Practice defensive driving

Night driving opens an entirely new world of hazards and dangers compared to driving during the day. Your vision distance is limited, your peripheral vision is also limited, and you have to rely almost entirely on your headlights. When driving at night, make sure to slow your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s speed down and take your time to see everything in front of you. Your high beam headlights can also come in handy during these types of driving situations, but make sure you’re not shining them in the eyes of other drivers.

Limit your distractions

As is with driving during the day, while night driving it’s important to limit distractions. Refrain from using your phone for texting, phone calls, and checking music and keep your eyes on the road. If possible, try dimming the lights inside the cabin to keep your vision clear.

Get a regular eye exam

While this doesn’t pertain to adjusting your Orlando Toyota vehicle, it’s always a good idea to get your vision assessed to see if your prescription has changed or maybe you’ve developed night blindness. This will help you get the vision assistance you need and make night driving less hazardous for you and others.

Stay protected with Toyota of Orlando

Night driving can be dangerous, but with the right driving habits and working auto parts it’s made much safer. If you need to have your windshield cleaned or headlights replaced, make sure to stop by Toyota of Orlando! We have a great selection of auto parts and our auto service team would be more than happy to get your vehicle night ready! Visit us seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!