Even when driving at night can be risky, it’s sometimes necessary. Keep reading this post by AMSOIL: OilWerx in Mandan, ND, for more information on staying safe and avoiding unnecessary risks. 

Avoid Driving Tired

Driving at night can be challenging for many reasons, but one of the most common ones is people driving tired. Similar to drunk driving, driving fatigue lowers your reaction time and can cause you to have decreased awareness of your surroundings and moments when you space out. If you’re starting to feel tired, it’s always best to pull over somewhere safe and rest for a bit before continuing your drive. Some great ways to avoid driving fatigue are drinking caffeine beverages, taking breaks between driving to walk around and stretch, and having energizing snacks. Also, if possible, it's great to share driving responsibilities to ensure one driver doesn’t get overly tired. When switching, try to take a nap or rest your eyes; that way, you’re ready to resume driving when your turn comes. Lastly, stopping to have a meal is a great way to rest when on the road at night; just make sure that it isn't too heavy as it could increase your tiredness.

It can be dangerous to drive at night, but by following a few precautions like having a regular maintenance routine, you can lower the risk significantly. For information on the best products to keep your engine in great shape, call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 or place an order in their online store 24/7.

Do a Quick Lights Check

Another essential safety check when planning to drive at night is making sure all the vehicle's lights are working correctly. It’s vital that you do a full lights check; this includes your headlights, turn signals, tail and brake lights. Also, check your high beams, as they’re a good tool for when low visibility causes the road to be more challenging than usual. A good idea is to give your lights a bit of maintenance before you leave for your drive. Headlights tend to turn opaque with dirt and chemicals from the road. Cleaning them can prevent them from becoming dim. If you’re driving at night frequently, your mechanic can help you reposition your headlights by tilting them downward to better light the road. Lastly, remember that a lot of vehicles allow you to dim the dashboard lights inside your car; this can help your eyes adjust to the dark road and help you see better.

Beware of Wildlife

When driving at night, primarily through rural areas, it’s important to search your surroundings for wild animals. Bigger animals like deer tend to cross the road at night and can be extremely dangerous when driving at high speeds. If you do spot one on the side of the road, honk to scare them and if they’re on the road, stop entirely until they cross to the other side. Remember, deers and other nighttime animals don’t usually travel alone, so scan the road for others if you see one. Tip: At night, your headlights will reflect animals’ eyes from the side of the road, so keep an eye out for that.

For excellent products to keep your vehicle in the best condition, call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 for information on the best products for your engine, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil. Once you’re ready to place your order, visit their online store for their full range of products.

Practice Defensive Driving and Sharing the Road

Sharing the road and practicing defensive driving is always important, but it’s essential when driving at night. Defensive driving is a group of techniques designed to help drivers react better to problems on the road and prevent crashes. You can find defensive driving courses online to teach you how to identify issues with your surroundings, share the road better, and avoid collisions.

Avoid Driving on Two-Lane Highways

Lastly, driving on two-lane highways at night can be dangerous as the lights from oncoming cars can blind you and make it hard to see the road. Four-lane highways are much safer in this regard as it offers separation between oncoming traffic and your vehicle. These highways also usually have a division in the middle that protects your eyes from oncoming traffic.

Driving at night can be challenging, but keeping your engine in good shape is the best way to keep you and your passengers safe. Call Oilwerx at (701) 426-8970 to talk to one of their oil experts about the best products for your vehicle’s maintenance. Don’t forget to visit AMSOIL’s online store to see their full range of products.