Driving is one of those things that becomes second nature once you’ve learned how to do it. You usually don't have to think about it too much, especially if you've been driving for over 10 years. Over time, you feel more comfortable on the road and forget the possible dangers of driving. But that's not an excuse for abandoning basic road safety. No matter how experienced a driver you may be, there are always some tips for driving at night that should be in the forefront of your mind.

Experienced drivers should never underestimate the dangers of nighttime driving. You should be aware of the increased risks of driving at night and stay extra alert on the road. Here are five critical safety tips for driving at night to help reduce those risks.

Always Wear a Seatbelt

If you're someone who fails to wear their seatbelt, you should make it a habit to buckle up as soon as you get in the car. If there's an accident, your seatbelt helps keep you in the vehicle and allows you to hold out against crash forces. California state law requires all occupants of a moving car eight and above to wear a seatbelt. 

Drive When You're Most Alert

Driving when you’re tired is almost as dangerous as driving when you’re under the influence. You should always drive when you're feeling most alert. Driving when you're fatigued or impaired can create serious safety concerns. Driving under these conditions slows reaction time and decreases the ability to make safe choices for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers around you. 

Even if you're tired and close your eyes for one second, you can impact your response time and cause a terrible accident. It's best to be honest with yourself and avoid driving if you're fatigued or not sober. It’s the most vital safety tip for driving at night. 

Resist Driving Over the Speed Limit

Speeding and zipping through traffic can result in more challenging situations. You want to ensure that you're always driving at the speed limit and with traffic flow. However, that doesn't mean you should speed because the car next to you is going faster than normal. If a vehicle is speeding behind you, move to the right lane and allow them to pass you. 

Minimize Any Possible Distractions

Distracted driving is also another avoidable cause of collisions, and there are some very common driving distractions. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t take a glance at your phone while driving, no matter how experienced you are. You should never look down at any device while the vehicle is in motion because one glance can take a tragic turn.  

To help minimize distractions, put your phone on the “do not disturb” or driving mode so that it sends an automatic reply saying you're driving to anyone who contacts you.

Cell phones aren't the only source of distraction. Eating while driving, looking at your friends, or focusing on the smoothie you're drinking are all dangerous actions. Please take a moment to pull over and do what you need to do instead of trying to do it while driving. 

Be Aware of Other Drivers

One of the most critical safety tips for driving at night is to be aware of the drivers around you. There’s a higher chance that the drivers around you at night are driving under the influence or fatigued. It's best to keep your distance between you and other cars and drive more defensively. 

Here at Saferoad Insurance, we want you to drive safely to avoid preventable tragic accidents, so please follow our five critical safety tips for driving at night. We know LA can be a challenging place to navigate through traffic, so we provide high-quality but affordable insurance in the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas. Contact us today to learn more about our rates.