Winter Night Driving

Winter night driving can be difficult due to the lack of light, weather conditions and the occasional moose crossing. When driving at night you want to take all the safety precautions you can. Driver safety is important, so don’t put yourself or others in danger while out on the road. Educate yourself with the following winter night driving safety tips.

Basic Night Safe Driving Tips

While winter night driving in Alaska, it’s important to be alert and pay extra attention to the road. Be aware of the road you are driving on. Look for any changes in the road, such as sharp curves. Slow down when you approach curves. Good night drivers can also practice the following winter night driving safety tips:

Check Your Headlights Before Winter Night Driving

First, check that your car’s headlights are pointed in the right direction. Sometimes the headlights in cars are uneven or pointer lowered than they should. If there is difficulty getting the right aim, check that there is nothing blocking your headlights. If needed, add fog lights to your vehicle to improve winter night driving safety. Fog lights illuminate the fog and help drivers see better. These lights can still be used even when it’s not foggy because they illuminate wider and farther.

Check Your Vision

Don’t wear the wrong kind of glasses. Make sure you wear a pair that improve nighttime visibility. A pair with anti-reflective coating works best because it reduces any unnecessary reflections inside your lenses. Also, make sure you don’t stare at oncoming lights. Turn your gaze away or shield your eyes with one palm. Doctors recommend to move your eyes and scan around instead of focusing straight ahead to reduce the effect of eye fatigue. If your eyes are feeling strained from use then it’s best to stay off the road.

Avoid Distractions

Taking your attention off the road to fiddle with the radio, your phone or eating can be dangerous to you and other drivers. Pull over if you must engage in any of these activities while winter night driving. Your reaction time is much slower after a tiring day of work. While driving, scan the road ahead for anything that will alert you of oncoming drivers. Also, keep an eye out for pedestrians, bicyclists and animals crossing. Be alert and aware of your surroundings so you can be a safe driver.

Today’s Winter Night Driving Safety Tips for Alaskans is Part 2 of a five blog series. For more driving safety tips see: Safe Driving Tips for Alaskans; Driving Tips For Older Drivers; Safer Driving in Winter Conditions; and Driving the AlCan in Winter.

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Sources: Alaska Department of Transportation; Alaska 511

Image Source: Alaska Car Transport