By Rachel Puryear

Fall and Winter are beautiful seasons for a road trip, and can be a great way to escape the Summer crowds as well as the heat – but shorter days can also mean more miles driven in the dark. While the cooler temperatures can make for a more comfortable drive, the reduction in visibility and increase in driver fatigue during nighttime hours introduce significant risks.

Visiting beautiful, natural destinations in remote locations can also mean driving across dark, rural roads and highways. The cooler months of the year can also come with their own weather challenges, too.

Night driving asks more of you: headlights limit how far ahead you can see, glare can make it harder to spot hazards, and fatigue may creep in just when you’re trying to reach the next campsite. A little planning can make evening travel safer and less stressful.

Before You Leave

• Check your vehicle’s lights and tires. Make sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights work. Clean the lenses, too: dirt can reduce how well your lights help you see, and how easily other drivers see you. If your headlights seem dim or point unevenly, have them checked and properly aimed. If your vehicle is older, consider upgrading to high-quality LED bulbs for better visibility and clarity.
• Clean your windshield inside and out: Dust and streaks can turn oncoming headlights into a distracting glare. Clean your mirrors and glasses as well, and skip tinted glasses at night (if not needed medically).
• Plan your arrival for daylight when you can. In an unfamiliar van or campsite, setting up in the dark can make it easier to miss a low branch, uneven ground, or a tight turn. Build in extra time, and choose a safe, well-lit place to stop if you’re running behind.
• Start rested. If you’re already sleepy, postpone the drive or let a well-rested passenger take over. Caffeine, open windows, and loud music aren’t sufficient substitutes for sleep. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises getting adequate sleep, and avoiding driving during peak sleepiness hours when possible; if medications may make you drowsy, check the labels before driving.

On the Road

• Slow down to match what you can see. Don’t drive faster than you can safely stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights. Leave extra following distance, especially on dark, winding, or unfamiliar roads, and allow more time for wildlife to appear.
• Use high beams thoughtfully. Use them where appropriate on dark roads, but switch to low beams when approaching other vehicles and oncoming vehicles, or following one closely. If an oncoming vehicle’s lights are dazzling, look towards the right edge of your lane rather than staring at the lights. Don’t respond by flashing your own high beams – this can be a safety hazard, if it results in temporarily blinding the other driver.
• Watch for fatigue – and act early. Repeated yawning, drifting within your lane, missing signs, or struggling to focus are good reasons to stop. Pull into a safe place and rest; if you’re sleepy, don’t try to push through to the next destination. For a long trip, plan enough regular breaks; and share driving only if the other driver is alert and licensed.

If You Need to Stop

Choose a well-lit, populated place away from moving traffic whenever possible. If your vehicle breaks down, get as far off the roadway as you safely can and turn on your hazard lights. Keep yourself and passengers away from traffic, and contact roadside assistance. Avoid standing behind or beside the vehicle where passing drivers might not see you.

A safe nighttime drive isn’t about reaching the destination on schedule at any cost. If darkness, weather, or tiredness makes the road feel unsafe, stop somewhere appropriate and continue after a proper rest – it’s so much better to arrive safely than to hurry and not make it there safely.

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Thank you, dear readers, for reading, following, and sharing. Here’s to safe travels out on the road, including at nighttime. If you enjoyed this post, please “like” and subscribe, if you have not already.

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