Nighttime Driving Safety Tips for MA Drivers

The official start to summer is upon us and so to is the prospect of spending more time out and about – as well as on the road at night. Whether you are coming home from a week’s vacation on the Cape, returning from a 4^th of July or Labor Day BBQ, or heading back on a Sunday night from the weekend at Lake Winnipesaukee, you’ll be faced with driving in the dark. Here are some helpful nighttime driving safety tips for MA drivers to make sure that you have an enjoyable summer and stay safe on the roads…

Are the Headlights and Brake Lights Working?

Have you checked these recently? Take the time to ensure that they are all working properly and are clean/unobstructed from any debris. Also, check to see if your headlights are pointed properly – as many times they are facing too sharply to the ground or pointing too high upward.

Keep Interior Lights Off While Driving

Don’t turn on the interior lights while driving at night. Not only is it distracting, but makes it much more difficult to see out the windshield. You don’t need any added glare affecting your vision.

Use High Beams Only When Necessary

Refrain from using high beams in place of regular headlights – they should be turned on and off only when necessary. Keeping your high beams on can blind approaching drivers and potentially lead to an unwanted (and unnecessary) accident.

Wear Your Glasses or Contacts

If you need them – wear them! Many of you might only need appropriate eye ware for driving at night. In this case, it’s even more important that you have them on hand and use them when it gets dark outside.

Beware of Other Drivers! (Perhaps the Most Important Nighttime Driving Safety Tips for MA Drivers)

You are making an effort to be safe on the roads at night – but can you trust others to do the same? Unfortunately, many drivers may not be as responsible as you (i.e. reckless speeders, drunk drivers, distracted/texting motorists, etc.) Be aware. Be alert. Be ready to act.

Increase the Gap Between You and Other Cars

This works in tandem with the last tip – by giving yourself enough space between vehicles, you allow for more time to react and avoid or avert any potential problems. Having enough room to stop or swerve to evade a collision makes all the difference.

So there you have it…a simple but effective list of nighttime driving safety tips for MA drivers to ensure a healthy and happy summer on the roads! And keep in mind, as Dudley Moore once quipped: “the best car safety device is a rear view mirror with a cop in it.”