Morning & Evening Safe Driving Tips
Drivers seldom consider the different conditions in which they drive. Many drivers don’t realise that the different conditions have a huge impact on their ability to drive and even in some cases their vision.
Night time isn’t the only threat that drivers have, it doesn’t have to be dark to affect your vision. When the sun is directly in your eyeline it can potentially cause blindness.
Here are a few ways how morning and evening conditions can affect you:
- Your eyes take time to adjust to different conditions, during the adjustment period, the driver might have difficulty seeing potential threats.
- Especially during the mornings and evenings the roads may seem darker than usual, this may result in confusion for the driver.
- Keeping a safe driving and stopping distance is difficult because your vision is poor during these conditions.
- During the evening your car’s headlights don’t work at their full potential as it’s not completely dark yet.
- Drivers during these two times are often still tired or are tired.
- Exhaustion greatly impacts your ability to drive as your reaction time is delayed. Older people’s vision is effected, due to natural aging, which also effects their reaction time.
Not only motorists should keep these different conditions in mind. During the morning and evening hours there are many other people.
Including:
- Pedestrians – children and people use the roads to get to work and/or school.
- Runners or joggers – people enjoy getting their daily exercise in by running or jogging in the mornings and/or evenings.
- Cyclists – cyclists use the roads to train for upcoming races.
- Livestock and wildlife – especially in rural areas, livestock and wild animals often use the roads as well.
Ways in which you can deal with morning and evening conditions:
Prepare yourself:
- Listen to the traffic reports so that you’re aware of what’s happening on the roads.
- Make sure that you know your routes and any necessary detours you might need.
- Try to avoid driving during the mornings and/or evenings.
- When driving long distances make sure that you rest to regain your strength and decrease any distractions.
- If there’s another driver in front of you, don’t drive with your brights on as they’re distracting.
- Have a decent pair of sunglasses with you, preferably polarised.
- Tint your car’s windows – this can increase your personal safety as well as block out the sun.
- Give your eyes time to adjust to the different conditions, it may take up to half an hour for your eyes to adjust.
- Have your eyes professionally tested as aging has an effect on your vision.
Make sure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy:
- Ensure that your car has been serviced and is in the best condition.
- Check that all the necessary lights on your car are working and clear.
- Clean the inside and outside of all your lights to ensure that they’re clear.
- Check and adjust your mirrors to best suit you.
- Clean all your windows, inside and outside.
- Look for any cracks on your windows and replace any windows that need to be.
- Ensure that the car’s headlights’ aims and alignments are checked.
Ensure that you’re comfortable behind the wheel:
- Drive slower in conditions where there’s a lack of visibility.
- If you drive slower you have more time to respond to emergencies.
- Rather drive further away than too close to the car in front of you.
- Look out for other people using the roads as well.
- Check your rear view mirrors regularly.
- Pay careful attention to your surroundings.
- If you’re struggling to see, due to the sun, pull over and give your eyes a break.
What tips did we miss out? Make sure to comment on social media!