Keeping your car insurance as low as possible requires that you remain claims-free. That means you should always practice safe driving techniques. To that end, it’s a good idea to brush up on your night driving safety so you aren’t putting yourself and your passengers at risk when you get behind the wheel after dark.
Statistics show that accidents occur more often at night than during the day. Reduced visibility is a major problem, particularly when navigating unfamiliar roads. By adding a few proven principles to your defensive driving repertoire, you can drive with added confidence after dark and make accidents less likely.
Expert Tips for Driving at Night
Here are tips from driving safety experts that can make the roads a safer place at night in Calgary:
- Adjust your headlights to ensure they are optimally aimed; check to make sure your headlights are even and oriented straight ahead rather than pointed downward
- Dim your dashboard controls; if they are overly bright, they can distract you when driving after dark and reduce your ability to see where you’re going
- Remain vigilant for animals; one of the best ways to do this is to train yourself to look for the eyes of animals in the roadway rather than the animals themselves, as their eyes are reflective and are usually the first thing to be illuminated by your approaching headlights
- Avoid looking at the headlights of oncoming traffic, as the brightness can have a blinding effect
- Remove streaks on your windshield by wiping it with newspaper; some streaks are only visible at night, and newspaper is very adept at removing such residue
- Invest in a set of aftermarket fog lights if you regularly drive at night, and especially if your travels take you down remote and poorly lit roads
- Keep your eyes moving while you drive by continuously scanning the roadway and your surroundings; this prevents fatigue and helps keep you actively engaged
Finally, if you feel tired, stop driving, and never embark on a trip, short or long, if you feel too sleepy to drive. Falling asleep at the wheel can have deadly consequences.
Eyesight Standards for Alberta Drivers
If you find yourself struggling to see while driving at night, there may be a problem with your vision. Alberta has instituted strict eyesight standards for drivers, and you must meet the requirements in order to qualify for all classes of driving licenses and car insurance.
For regular passenger vehicles, you must have at least 20/50 vision with both eyes open, and your weaker eye must have a vision rating of at least 20/200. If you have any doubts about your eyesight, be sure to have it tested. You’ll keep yourself and the other people on the road safer by doing so.
Age-Related Night Driving Issues
Older drivers face additional challenges when driving at night, and it is vital for seniors to make careful assessments of their abilities. Eyesight, hearing, reflexes and reaction times naturally decline with age, and these senses and skills play a vital role in keeping you and others safe on the road.
In Alberta, drivers over the age of 75 are subject to mandatory testing if medically warranted. However, driving skills can significantly decline prior to that age, so be sure to test yourself if you’re getting older. It’s also worth noting that older drivers tend to be easier targets for insurance fraud, so you should also educate yourself on ways to avoid becoming a victim.
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Lane’s Insurance is a leading Alberta-based insurance brokerage. Its representatives work for you, not for the insurance companies, so you can always rest assured that they are protecting your best interests. As a brokerage, Lane’s is also able to get insurance providers to bid on your business, leading to more advantageous rates and highly competitive premiums.
In addition to an extensive library of digital resources, Lane’s Insurance also offers outstanding customer service and excellent claims support. Visit Lane’s Insurance today to get a fast, free quote on Alberta car insurance. Remember, too, that you can save as much as 20 percent by bundling your home and auto insurance together through Lane’s.
