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Driving in the dark can be overwhelming – especially if you’re a new driver learning the ways of the road. Between the risk of drunk drivers, pedestrians, and poorly lit load-shedding streets – and with 55% of South Africa’s fatal car accidents occurring at night, it can feel daunting to want to move around the city after sunset.
But there’s no need to let that fear hold you back from safely venturing out. To help you feel empowered to explore the night streets with safety, here are seven tips to drive a little smarter when the stars come out.
1. Stay focused and alert
It can be easy to get distracted by music or notifications that pop up on your phone as you drive. But it’s best to keep your senses on full alert – especially when it’s dark. Try to limit distractions while on the road and check your mirrors and blind spots more often to ensure you’re safe to take turns or switch lanes.
2. Don’t drive when inebriated
This one goes without saying, but always ensure you drive sober or have a designated driver when you go out for some drinks this festive season; remember your ability to drive is reduced even after one unit of alcohol. Whether it’s calling an Uber or taking turns with your friends on who’ll be the night’s designated driver, it’s best to have your senses fully alert and aware of your surroundings before getting behind the wheel.
3. Don’t drive when fatigued
Similarly, if you’re feeling fatigued – it may be best to stay in or ensure that you get enough rest and energy before you venture out in your car for the night so that you’re conscious and alert on the road. Additionally, what you and drink can make a difference. To avoid fatigue, don’t eat food that makes you tired – rather consume fresh produce, keep hydrated with cold water, and moderately drink caffeinated drinks.
4. Keep your views clear and free of obstructions
In the daytime, we might not be as privy to dust and dirt on our windshields, but these can be a hindrance at night should they catch glares from the streetlights or oncoming headlights. To avoid this, always try to keep your window views clean and clear of obstructions – including your boot area by the back window and dashboard.
5. Slow your roll
It’s best to slow your pace while driving at night to ensure all your turns are clear and lane changes are safe to take as the dark can limit how much we can see particularly during load-shedding in areas and places with high pedestrian traffic.
6. Adjust your lighting where needed
Similarly, if you’re on a long, open, and dark stretch of road – it’s best to turn your bright headlights on – especially if there are no oncoming cars. Adjusting the internal lighting of your car can also help in balancing how much light you’re able to see outside of your car and help adjust your vision better. And remember to never use your fog lights unless you are driving in foggy conditions at night, if not, you may potentially blind other drivers.
7. Know your eyesight status
There are many common conditions that affect vision and eyesight when driving at night. It’s also important to go for regular eye tests – at least every year or two to know your eyesight status. And, if you feel your eyesight has weakened, be sure to go for an eye test and find out if you’ll need glasses to help you drive better at night.
To help you drive safer at night, leading car brand VW is offering a driving school for the night-time – aptly named VW Night School. You can enrol and register for the night school to help empower you to drive safer and smarter at night and know when it’s best to take a break and stay in. Find out more information about VW Night School here.
This post was sponsored by VW and produced by Adspace Studio.
