For everyone’s safety… never drive all night long. Why not take the time to sleep, eat something nourishing and have a shower in the morning? You will feel much better and arrive at your destination refreshed and in a much better frame of mind. You may get there a little later, but you will arrive in one piece.
Tip: If the vehicle coming towards you does not dim its high beams, look to the right edge of the road and use that edge as your guide, until the oncoming car has passed.
As the times changes, our commute to and from work will be in the dark, so keep these tips in mind:
- Slow down at night. It is more difficult to judge speed and distance at this time and, coupled with being tired, this decreases your reaction time. Try to drive within the area illuminated by your headlights. If you cannot stop within that area, you are driving too fast.
- Turn on your headlights for all driving times. This makes your vehicle more easily seen, even if the lights do not help you to see. Use your high beams as often as you need but be courteous when behind someone or for an oncoming motorist.
- Lookout for wildlife, especially larger animals such as deer. An impact with one of these animals at high speed can have serious consequences for both of you. Keep your headlights on low beams, slow down and sound your horn to scare the animal out of the way.
- Stop more often than you think you should. You would be surprised what five minutes, and a stretch will do for your fatigue factor and impacts your schedule far less than an accident would.
- Choose high protein snacks, like meat or cheese instead of a doughnut, since carbohydrates may make you sleepy.
- Stay alert for drunk drivers, since nighttime is when the majority of drunk drivers appear on the roads.
- Leave extra space around your vehicle as you travel and always try to leave yourself an “out” from the lane you are in.
- Pull off the road as far as you safely can, if you have car trouble. Set out warning triangles near your vehicle and at least 300 feet behind it in order to warn oncoming traffic.
- Avoid smoking when you drive because nicotine and carbon monoxide may hamper your night vision.
- Never text and drive. Limit your distractions, especially in low light situations.
Brooks Group Insurance Agency, LLC
732.972.0600 | info@brooks-ins.com
www.brooks-ins.com
Brooks Group Insurance Agency, LLC | NJ License 1575143
Brooks Specialty Insurance Agency | CA License 0L58112
ABOUT RELIABLE SAFETY SOLUTIONS
Reliable Safety Solutions Consulting provides safety consulting, OSHA and DOT compliance, safety training, mock OSHA or DOT audits and inspections to clients. We identify technology, training, and processes to take your safety program to the next level. Visit www.reliablesafetysolutions.net or contact us at 570-939-7735.
ABOUT BROOKS INSURANCE
Brooks is a nationally recognized managing general agency that develops and administers specialty insurance services. We combine underwriting expertise and an unparalleled commitment to customer service to deliver best-of-breed insurance solutions to our retail clients and insureds. Visit www.brooks-ins.com.
