Tips for Safe Driving at Night

Night driving is inherently riskier than daytime driving, but the right combination of awareness, best practices and equipment can improve safety for professional drivers and the traveling public.

“Night driving is always a challenge, even under the best circumstances, because you have reduced visibility, natural circadian rhythms and nocturnal animals that are out and harder to see,” said Chuck Pagesy, director of safety for Penske Truck Leasing. “Many fleets see their most severe accidents at night.”

Why Night Driving Is So Challenging

Several conditions increase risk at night. Visibility is the most obvious challenge because even under perfect conditions, drivers can’t see as far or as clearly at night. With high-beam headlights, visibility is limited to about 500 feet. It is about 250 feet for normal headlights, meaning drivers have less time to react to something in the road, especially when traveling at higher speeds, the National Safety Council reported.

Drivers’ peripheral vision is also limited due to low light. “You really only see the center of the roadway at night,” Pagesy said. “You lose visibility to the left and right, which is where many hazards originate.”

Plus, as people age, physiological changes in the eyes reduce their ability to adapt to low light. According to the National Safety Council, a 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year-old does.

Pagesy said that wildlife activity increases after dark, and deer, raccoons and other nocturnal animals often make their way onto the roads. “Animal strikes, especially deer, are one of the most common nighttime incidents we see across the country,” he said.

Fatigue is another contributor to nighttime safety risks. Human circadian rhythms naturally signal the body to rest during evening and overnight hours, which can make it harder to focus or maintain lane positions.

Strategies To Improve Night-Time Safety

Equipment specifications, safety technologies and driver behavior can all improve safety for drivers in the dark.

The Role of Onboard Safety Technology

Onboard safety systems can help mitigate some of the risks drivers face at night. Collision-avoidance systems, automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warnings can increase response times and take action faster than a human can.

“They're all things that help you stop faster in the event you spot something at night,” Pagesy said, adding that collision avoidance should see further at night than the human eye since the systems use lidar and radar to detect objects. “If an animal runs out, the technology is there to help you.”

Specing disc brakes can also improve safety by shortening stopping distances and helping drivers maintain control.

Lighting and Equipment Choices

Proper lighting remains one of the most controllable safety factors. Many newer vehicles offer high-intensity lighting options. “LED options that give you cleaner, further-reaching light that aid in drivers’ vision,” Pagesy said, noting that mist and fog can limit the light’s reach. “Fog lights can be helpful, plus additional high-intensity lights.”

Headlights provide visibility, but it is also important to ensure rear marker lights and brake lights are fully functioning also. “Cars approaching from behind need to see you when you slow down,” Pagesy said.

All lights need to be cleaned regularly, especially in the winter. Dirt, salt, and snow or ice buildup can significantly reduce light output. “Don’t forget the rear marker and brake lights. Being visible to traffic behind you is just as important,” Pagesy said.

Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections

Thorough pre-trip inspections are especially critical for night operations. Beyond lighting, drivers should check tires, fuel levels and braking systems. When drivers fuel at a Penske fueling location, customer service reps walk around the vehicle to perform a visual inspection. This can be especially helpful for identifying rear marker or brake lights that aren’t working properly. If reps see an issue, they can work with drivers and the fleet to make sure it is addressed quickly.

Slips, Falls and Yard Safety After Dark

Night driving safety extends beyond the roadway. Reduced lighting can increase the likelihood of a slip, trip or fall when entering or exiting vehicles, particularly in winter conditions.

“Always maintain three points of contact when getting in and out of the truck,” Pagesy said. “Before you step down, make sure there’s no debris, ice or uneven ground.”

Something as simple as the proper footwear can improve safety. “Drivers will sometimes wear sandals or slip-on shoes,” Pagesy said. “Good, lace-up footwear with non-slip soles makes a difference, both for walking and for applying full brake pressure if needed.”