Driving, in general, carries an ever-present risk of accidents. However, the risk amplifies during the night. At night, your peripheral vision, depth perception, and colour-distinguishing abilities diminish. The high beams from incoming vehicles can be blinding and cause accidents in a flash. Thus, it is vital to take all the necessary precautions and follow safe driving practices at night. Listed below are some safety tips for driving at night that you must follow.

Follow these five simple night driving safety tips.

It is essential to check the various lights on your car frequently. You must regularly check and clean your headlamps, taillights, fog lamps, parking lights, hazard lights, etc., to ensure maximum visibility at night. Vehicle lights become hazy due to moisture or regular wear and tear, posing problems while driving. So, you must ensure they are always in excellent working condition.

Rearview mirrors allow you to view the vehicles behind you. However, the glare from these vehicles can be blinding. As a safety measure, you can purchase one of the latest car models equipped with auto-dimming features inside rearview mirrors. If your car does not have this feature, you can buy anti-glare films from the aftermarket and have them professionally installed in your car.

Driving defensively is an essential night driving tip that all vehicle owners must follow. When driving at night, you must avoid speeding or overtaking other vehicles. Night driving can also be dangerous because roads are typically occupied by large-sized transport trucks. Overtaking such vehicles can be risky. You may also encounter drunk drivers. It is thus essential to keep your guard up and drive safely at night.

If your car has high beams, you must remember to use them in isolated dark areas only. Ensure you dim the high beams when you notice vehicles coming in your direction. The dazzling feature of high beams can cause crashes, so you must reduce your beams' usage to the bare minimum. You may also use fog lamps if you are worried about visibility.

A vital prerequisite of driving any vehicle is being completely aware of your surroundings. There are several things you can do not to feel drowsy while driving at night. For instance, you must always travel with another person who can keep you company and take turns driving if you feel sleepy. It also helps to play peppy music, that keeps you alert. If you've had a long day, consider having a caffeine-rich beverage a few hours before driving.

Just as it is essential to follow safety tips for driving at night, so is it vital to protect your vehicle with motor insurance. Per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, car insurance/bike insurance for third-party liabilities is mandatory in India. You can also invest in a comprehensive motor insurance plan that covers damages caused to your vehicle, accidental hospitalization, etc. Ensure you choose a good plan that provides maximum coverage while considerably reducing out-of-pocket expenses.