Night Driving

Driving at night can be tricky – especially if you’re over 50! 

Driving at night poses extra challenges for all of us. Obviously, reduced visibility is a factor - and so is age. People over 50 generally need twice as much light to see what a 30 year old can. Alcohol is another big hazard - especially on weekend nights. The National Safety Council has a list of recommendations for night driving:

• Keeping your windows and all your lights clean really enhances visibility.

• Don't smoke when you drive at night. Nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision.

• Reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Depth perception is diminished at night.

• You should always be able to stop inside the illuminated area of your headlights.

• If an oncoming car has its high beams on, shift your eyes to the right side of the road to avoid the glare.

Twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive, because your eyes are constantly changing to adapt to growing darkness - so start your night driving techniques as soon as the sun goes down. It's also a good idea to have your lights on BEFORE you need them to make you more visible to other drivers.