January 23, 2011

Driving Safely And Avoiding Accidents At Night

Every driver’s vision is reduced at night. It’s more difficult to see road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. It also takes time for eyes to adjust to the darkness after being in a lit building or after driving on a well-lit road. What’s more, in darkness it is harder to judge speed and distance-objects can be closer than they appear or travelling faster than first expected. That’s when things can go wrong.

Even a small quantity of alcohol can compromise your reaction times and awareness of hazards. The safest advice is to avoid it completely.

Illegal drugs should never be taken at any time. Prescription and over the-counter medication can cause drowsiness and dulled reactions-don’t drive if you’re affected.

The risk of a fatal accident for young drivers is 40% higher with one passenger, 90% higher with two, and 190% higher with three or more. Becoming distracted is a serious problem that can easily lead to you losing control-music should be kept at a safe volume too.

Research shows that 17 and 18-year-old males have around 75% more of their accidents following competition with other road users than 29-60 year-old males. The road is not the place to test yourself against others-the only place you’ll end up is in the hospital or morgue.

Inappropriate speed contributes to more than 35% of all drive accidents. Always drive at a safe speed according to the road conditions.

Emily Smith of Britannia Driving School said: “Being able to drive gives you that extra freedom where you’re not tied to bus schedules or the last train home. Unfortunately, 40% of collisions occur when it is dark. Avoid driving at times when you would usually be asleep-use other forms of transport such as rail, air, bus or coach if they are available.”

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