Experience Safe Night Driving

Driving a car at night is a skill that requires high concentration, good observation and judgment along with careful psychological and technical preparation.

According to statistics from the Traffic Police Department, traffic accidents at night account for 40% of the total number of accidents in the year, 1.5 times higher than during the day.

Challenges when driving at night include limited visibility, fatigue, distraction and high risk of collision. To drive safely at night, you need to prepare carefully before the trip, ensure good vehicle condition, good health and spirit, and have a specific plan for the journey.

You also need to practice safe driving techniques at night such as adjusting speed, distance, using vehicle lights appropriately, observing blind spots and maintaining high concentration.

Some common dangerous situations when driving at night are the vehicle on the opposite side turning on its headlights causing glare, breaking down in the middle of the road, and encountering animals crossing the road.

In addition, consider equipping devices to support safe driving at night such as anti-glare LED lights, automatic anti-glare mirrors, blind spot warning systems, dash cams and reversing sensors.

The following are detailed contents, please refer to them.

What Are the Challenges of Driving at Night?

Driving at night can encounter difficulties such as limited visibility, fatigue, distraction and high risk of collision.

1. Limited visibility

At night, the driver's visibility is reduced compared to daytime due to the influence of artificial light from street lights and headlights of opposing vehicles. This makes it more difficult to observe obstacles, traffic signs and identify hazards.

A study by Queensland University of Technology (Australia) showed that, at a distance of 75 meters, drivers can only identify 5% of objects compared to daytime conditions. This increases to 30% at 50 meters and 60% at 25 meters.

2. Fatigue, reduced ability to concentrate

After a day of work, study... the human body often falls into a tired state in the evening. At this time, the body's biological clock signals it's time to rest, causing a feeling of sleepiness and drowsiness when sitting behind the wheel. This fatigue negatively affects the driver's ability to concentrate, react and make decisions.

According to data from the US National Traffic Safety Committee (NHTSA), 20% of serious traffic accidents that occur at night are caused by driver drowsiness and fatigue.

3. Increased risk of collision with other vehicles

In low light conditions, it becomes more difficult to judge speed and distance from other vehicles. The risk of collisions, especially from behind, increases if vehicles do not have tail lights on or if the lights are broken.

Besides, at night, drivers often tend to speed up due to lower traffic density. However, high speeds cause the driver's reaction time to decrease, leading to a high risk of loss of control and collision.

What to Prepare Before Driving at Night to Ensure Safety?

Take time to check the vehicle's condition, prepare your health and spirit, and plan your night driving journey.

1. Check the vehicle

Before leaving, take the time to carefully check important parts of the vehicle, including lights, tires, engine oil, coolant, and rearview mirrors.

2. Prepare physically and mentally

Drivers need to prepare well for their health and spirit before the trip by:

• Get enough sleep: Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep before driving at night. Avoid lack of sleep and fatigue.
• Do not use alcoholic beverages and stimulants: Alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes all have the effect of causing distraction and slowing reaction time.
• Eat light and drink enough water: Maintain energy and alertness throughout the journey.
• Gentle exercise: A few simple exercise movements help wake up the body and increase flexibility.

3. Plan your journey

Detailed planning for night driving includes:

• Learn the route: Know clearly the route you will take, stops, and gas stations along the way. Avoid going into dangerous areas or roads that are too dark.
• Estimated time: Calculate the estimated time for each segment, including rest time.
• Share with relatives: Inform your route and estimated time of arrival so that relatives can support you when needed.

How to Safely Drive at Night?

When driving at night, the driver needs to adjust speed, distance, use vehicle lights appropriately, increase blind spot observation and always maintain high concentration.

1. Adjust speed and distance

Adjust your speed to suit visibility and traffic conditions. Lower speeds give you more time to react to unexpected situations.

Maintain a minimum distance of 4-5 seconds from the vehicle in front, equivalent to about 100-120 meters if traveling at a speed of 80 km/h. This gives you enough time to react when the vehicle in front suddenly brakes or an obstacle appears.

2. Use vehicle lights appropriately

When using car lights at night, remember to turn on the headlights, switch high beams when encountering oncoming vehicles, and use fog lights when necessary.

• Turn on headlights when it's dark: Always turn on headlights when driving at night, especially on empty roads with few vehicles.
• Switch high beam lights when encountering oncoming traffic: To avoid dazzling the oncoming driver, switch to high beam when meeting oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.
• Use fog lights when needed: In foggy or heavy rain conditions, turn on fog lights (if available) to improve visibility.

3. Observe and handle blind spots

Always pay attention to the rearview mirror and grasp the traffic situation behind you. Before changing lanes, turning left or right, turn on your turn signal and glance over your shoulder to observe your blind spot, making sure there are no vehicles in the area that cannot be seen through the mirror.

4. Maintain high concentration

Concentrate completely on driving, do not answer the phone, text or use other distracting devices. When signs of fatigue appear such as constant yawning, blurred vision, or dizziness, find a safe place to stop and rest for 15-20 minutes.

How to Handle Dangerous Situations When Driving at Night?

You also need to master how to handle dangerous situations when driving at night, such as the vehicle on the opposite side turning on its headlights causing glare, breaking down in the middle of the road, or encountering animals crossing the road.

1. Encountering an oncoming vehicle with its headlights on, causing glare

When you encounter an oncoming vehicle with headlights that are causing glare, you need to slow down and avoid looking straight at them; Focus on observing the right lane markings to keep in the correct lane. If necessary, the headlights can be flashed to warn the oncoming vehicle to switch to high beams.

2. The car broke down in the middle of the road

In case your car breaks down in the middle of the road at night, turn on the hazard lights (warning lights), slowly steer towards the curb and stop the car in a safe place. Then place a reflective triangle sign about 50-100m behind the vehicle to warn other vehicles. If you cannot handle the problem yourself, you need to call for help or ask for help.

3. Encounter animals crossing the road

When you detect animals from afar, you need to slow down immediately, carefully observe the road, and use your horn to warn and scare away animals. Do not steer suddenly, but focus on keeping the steering wheel steady so as not to lose control of the vehicle.

After passing, continue to carefully observe your surroundings, in case the animal returns or another animal appears.

What should be equipped in a car to ensure safety for night journeys?

Equipping additional support devices such as anti-glare LED lights, automatic anti-glare mirrors, blind spot warning systems, dash cameras and reversing sensors also makes an important contribution to helping you drive safer at night.

• Anti-glare LED lights: Replace traditional halogen headlights with anti-glare LED lights to help improve visibility without causing glare to oncoming vehicles. According to research by Ilmenau University of Technology (Germany), anti-glare LED lights help increase viewing distance by up to 30% compared to halogen lights.
• Automatic anti-glare mirror: This type of mirror will automatically adjust the reflection angle when there is bright light from behind, helping the driver avoid distraction and eye strain.
• Blind spot warning system: Sensors will detect and warn if there is a vehicle in the blind spot, helping you change lanes safely.
• Dashcam & reversing sensor: Record travel journey, support observation when reversing or parking at night.

Always Remember: Safety First

To ensure safety when driving, you must obey traffic laws, do not use stimulants and pay attention to regular vehicle maintenance.

• Obey traffic laws: Always go at the prescribed speed, do not run red lights, obey signs and orders of traffic police. According to statistics from the National Traffic Safety Committee, 70% of traffic accidents at night are caused by traffic law violations.
• Avoid using stimulants: Absolutely do not drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, sleeping pills or other stimulants. These substances reduce judgment and reflexes and can easily cause accidents. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the risk of causing an accident for drivers with blood alcohol levels of 0,05% or more is 2,7 times higher than for drivers who do not drink. ale.
• Regular vehicle maintenance: A well-maintained vehicle will operate more stably and reliably. Please follow the regular maintenance schedule and promptly repair any damage. According to recommendations from car manufacturers, regular maintenance reduces the risk of problems on the road by 25%.

Questions Related to Driving a Car at Night

1. How does the blind spot warning system work and what are the benefits?

The blind spot warning system uses sensors to detect and warn the driver if there is a vehicle in the blind spot (area not visible through mirrors).

According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), this system reduces lane change crashes by 14%.

Read the article now: Experience overcome blind spots on cars safe and most effective, shared by many experts.

2. What effect do dash cameras and reversing sensors have when driving at night?

The dash cam records the entire journey, helping the driver have evidence in case of a dispute or accident. Reversing sensors assist in observing when reversing or parking at night. According to a Euro NCAP report, this device helps reduce 38% of collisions when reversing. See now these Pay attention when installing car dash cameras The most effective and safest products are updated on the website.

3. How important is regular vehicle maintenance for safety when driving at night?

Regular vehicle maintenance helps detect and promptly repair damage, ensuring the vehicle operates stably and reliably.

According to recommendations from car manufacturers, regular maintenance reduces the risk of incidents on the road by 25%, especially when driving at night.

4. Should new drivers avoid driving at night?

Have. Driving at night requires certain skills and experience. New drivers should limit driving at night until they are confident in their ability to handle unexpected situations. If you must drive at night, choose familiar, less complicated roads and always follow safety rules. You can refer How to handle dangerous situations encountered when driving a car the safest.

5. What should you pay attention to when driving at night on the highway?

When driving at night on the highway, drivers need to pay special attention to speed, safe distance and use lights appropriately. Always obey the speed limit, avoid overtaking when not necessary.

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of nighttime highway accidents. Therefore, proactively stop the car to rest if you feel sleepy or lose concentration.

6. Where should a reputable car be maintained and repaired?

With more than 10 years of experience in the field of automobile repair and maintenance, Thanh Phong Auto Proud to be one of the leading names trusted and chosen by car owners in Ho Chi Minh City.

At Thanh Phong Auto, a team of experienced technicians will conduct a comprehensive inspection and thoroughly evaluate the vehicle's condition before recommending optimal repair and maintenance plans. Besides, the garage also invests in the most modern equipment and machinery, ensuring service quality.

Other advantages:

• Committed to using 100% genuine spare parts, imported directly from reputable manufacturers. This not only helps improve the safety and performance of the vehicle but also helps increase the lifespan of each detail.
• Along with solid expertise, the garage's staff are also well-trained in communication and customer service skills. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the team of consultants and technicians will certainly bring you peace of mind and absolute satisfaction.
• Promote transparency in quotes. Customers will be provided with a detailed price list for each item before repairing, avoiding unexpected costs.

Come with Thanh Phong Auto today to experience the difference and have peace of mind!