Night Driving for Long-Haul Truck Drivers
There are many benefits to truck driving at nights; light traffic, somewhat safer roads and a beautiful night sky. While trucking driving at night can be relaxed and beautiful, it is important to practice safe night driving to avoid collisions. 50% of traffic deaths occur during the evening and night time. Studies have shown that nighttime fatigue can be more dangerous than driving drunk. Fatigue, along with many other factors, can cause unsafe night driving conditions. The following is a list of road hazards to avoids while driving at night!
1. Impaired vision becomes common on dark roads; depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are compromised. To avoid impaired vision:
- Dim our dashboard lights
- Wear glasses
- Two hands on the wheel
- Look away from oncoming traffic
- Reduce your speed
- Stay away from using your phone
- Clean your windshield
2. Watch out for wildlife while driving at night. No matter where you are driving, encounters with wildlife are not uncommon. Every state has an animal or two to look out for; from deer, raccoons, and coyotes. Wildlife have a tendency to leap onto the road at the most unexpected times.
3. Drowsiness and lack of alertness. A National Sleep Foundation poll says 60% of adults have driven while they were tired, and another 37% have fallen asleep at the wheel.
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Take regular breaks every two hours
- Share the drive
- Pull over and take a nap if you’re drowsy
- Be alert for other drowsy drivers on the road
4. Drunk drivers commonly appear on the roads between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. on weekends. While driving at night, always keep any eye out for impaired drivers around you. Swerving, no headlights, and extremely slow speed are all indicators to stay away from the vehicle on the road.
5. Keep your eyes healthy. The American Optometric Association suggests checkups every three years if you’re under the age of 40, every two years until you’re 60, and annually after that.
6. Night driving can be a peaceful adventure when you practice safe driving. Practice our night driving tips and tricks to ensure a safe trip:
- Always double check headlights and brake lights.
- Turn your lights on earlier than sunset.
- Dim your interior lights while driving.
- Drive at an appropriate speed.
- Avoid nighttime glare in your mirrors and windshield.
- Always get enough rest before your night driving adventure.
