How to drive at night: Offroad driving techniques
|
|
Time to read 2 min
Most adventures will require driving in the dark for a while – either late at night or early in the morning. At these times you need to be alert and take some extra caution to minimise potential hazards.
The darkness of night time can do strange things to drivers. Driving in the dark demands greater concentration from weary travellers, who navigate in an isolated bubble of light. On such occasions, effective driving lights, a set of big spotlights and a lightbar will make it much easier to focus.
Along with a few simple safety precautions, you’ll be cruising into the night without a worry.
Driver fatigue
Driver fatigue is the biggest single contributor to fatal accidents at night-time. Staying up late or getting up early messes with your body’s natural rhythm and can cause levels of fatigue that pose serious threats to drivers and passengers. Fatigue is known to delay reaction times; and it can also lead to microsleeps, which are incredibly dangerous.
The best way to avoid driver fatigue is to ensure a good night’s sleep, take regular breaks at rest stops and limit driving to 10 hours per day. Drive at a slower speed and keep a safe distance behind any other vehicles so you have time to react in unexpected situations. Quick fixes such as energy drinks, strong coffee and driving with the windows open are merely temporary solutions and shouldn’t be relied upon. Listening to engaging podcasts or having conversations with passengers may help to stay alert but, again, these are no substitute for a good sleep.
Lights and visibility
It’s obvious that big lights on the front of your car will make night driving easier, but let’s not forget about the lights inside. Eye strain is real, and it takes your eyes a long time to adjust to low light conditions on open and unlit rural roads. These adjustments can be quickly undone by the effects of glare from the bright headlights of oncoming drivers. Dimming the displays on your dash will help to prevent the loss of your night-vision.
Most modern cars will dim the dash automatically, while older vehicles will do so as the headlights are switched on. It may be necessary to dim them even further if your surroundings are exceptionally dark.
Oncoming vehicles can have a similar effect, and it’s important to avoid looking directly into approaching headlights. Additionally, keeping your windscreen clean will reduce the amount of glare produced by oncoming traffic.
Dusk and dawn
Dusk and dawn are when most animal strikes take place, due to the combined factors of increased animal activity and poor visibility. Be alert and keep an eye out for any animals by the side of the road that may bound out in front of you when spooked. And we’re not just talking ’roos. Depending on where you travel, wandering animals could include feral goats, cattle, brumbies or even camels. The larger the animal the greater the damage to your vehicle and potentially the vehicle’s occupants. Whenever possible, try not to drive at dusk or dawn and you’ll dramatically decrease the chances of an animal strike.
Eyesight
Some people suffer from eye conditions that make it more difficult to drive at night-time, without even knowing. Regular eye check-ups will ensure these kinds of ailments are acknowledged and can be treated as soon as possible.
Top tips
- It’s best to avoid driving any 4WD tracks and trails at night wherever possible
- Nothing beats driver fatigue like a good night’s sleep
- Dim your dash lights and don’t look directly at oncoming headlights
- Install some good aftermarket driving lights Most adventures will require driving in the dark for a while – either late at night or early in the morning. At these times you need to be alert and take some precautions.
