Though not always ideal, there are plenty of reasons why you may need to drive at night. Whether it’s winter and the daylight hours are few, or you’re trying to make it to a distant destination in time for breakfast, even those who aren’t night owls occasionally find themselves driving at night. Night driving does pose some potential safety risks and requires special techniques to ensure you arrive safely. Here are a few suggestions from car dealerships in Arlington Heights in order to help you confidently drive at night.
A Clear View
Before you hit the road at night, it’s vital to ensure that your headlights and windshield are free from dirt and debris. Headlights should be clean to ensure an accurate and focused beam, providing the maximum illumination for the road ahead. Windshields should be clean to prevent light from street lamps and headlights from scattering, resulting in conditions that make it nearly impossible to see what’s in front of you.
Stay on the Major Roads
When possible, stay on major roads that consist of at least two lanes on each side. Two-lane roads pose an immense risk, especially late at night, as you are depending on other drivers to be just as awake and alert as you. Even a small mistake on their or your part could result in a devastating head-on collision. Plus, this side-by-side passing results in a greater risk for windshield glare, potentially leading to temporary night blindness.
Test Your High Beams
When used appropriately, your high beam headlights provide an extra measure of safety as you seek to avoid animals, cars, and other obstacles on the road. Since you may not use them all that often, it’s important to test them before setting off on your drive. If you find that they’re not working, the service centers of car dealerships in Arlington Heights stand ready to diagnose any problem that may be causing your issue.
