Night driving: do you have the right reflexes?
Driving at night requires special care and attention. Using your headlights alone isn’t enough to guarantee your safety. Find out if you have the right reflexes for night driving by answering the following questions:
1. How can you improve your ability to see the road when driving at night?
a) Turn your dashboard and other screens up to maximum brightness
b) Dim the interior lights
c) Wear a powerful headlamp
2. When you’re driving through a wooded area at night, wild animals can run onto the road at any time. How can you prevent a collision?
a) Open the windows and play loud music to scare off animals
b) Drive in the middle of the road if it’s deserted, so you have more room to manoeuvre if an animal suddenly approaches from the left or right
c) Slow down and keep an eye out for glowing eyes
3. Falling asleep at the wheel at night is a very real risk. How can you make sure you don’t fall asleep?
a) Stop in a safe place and take a nap as soon as you feel the first signs of fatigue, such as yawning, stinging eyes, and difficulty concentrating
b) Drink an energy drink or a large cup of coffee
c) Listen to upbeat music or an exciting podcast
Answers
- b) Your interior lights help you see inside your vehicle, but they can affect your ability to see the road at night. Plus, the dashboard and infotainment system lighting can be distracting. Dim the intensity of the lights to improve your focus on the road.
- c) Accidentally hitting a rabbit might lead to a loss of control, and hitting a moose can be fatal. Make a habit of slowing down and scanning the sides of the road when driving in rural areas.
- a) Resting is the only effective way to counteract driver fatigue. Experts recommend taking a 20- to 30-minute nap when you feel tired and taking regular breaks after two consecutive hours of driving.
Finally, ensure your windshield is clean and your headlights are polished. This will optimize your visibility and improve your safety when you drive at night. Schedule an appointment with an M 360 Mechanic near you to have your vehicle inspected, maintained, or repaired