Nighttime Driving Tips from Your Charlotte Nissan Dealer

May 2, 2015

Your Charlotte Nissan dealer knows that when the sun goes down, driving conditions change drastically. Though headlights and streetlamps do provide extra lighting, the limited light increases the potential for hazardous driving.

In order to ensure that you, your passengers and other drivers on the road stay safe, here are some nighttime driving tips to keep in mind.

Dim the Interior Lights

When the sun goes down, it gets dark inside your car, too; however, the lights on your instrument panel can actually impede safe driving. If your interior lights are turned all the way up, you could be minimizing your vision, which can increase the potential for crashes.

Be Aware of Animals

If you’re driving on rural roads, animals are a big concern when the sun goes down. Creatures that are out grazing or exploring at night may be impossible to spot. In order to keep your risk for an animal run-in, look for eyes. Animals eyes often reflect headlights way before you would be able to actually see the animal. Once you see those reflecting eyes, lower your speed and be extra alert.

Avoid Staring at Lights

Bright lights are very distracting when driving at night. Looking into the headlights of an oncoming vehicle or gazing at a brightly lit sign could have a serious impact on your vision, making it difficult for you to focus on the road ahead. Keep your eyes forward and off of any bright lights.

Adjust Your Mirrors

Don’t forget to adjust your mirrors. Nighttime driving means that other drivers headlights can reflect off of your rear and side view mirrors and right into your eyes, which can obviously create a very hazardous situation. Flip your rearview so that it is set to nighttime driving and adjust your side view mirrors as needed, as well.