Safer night driving

See and be seen

In Canada, daytime running lights stay on all the time, but not tail lights, so remember to turn them on at dusk. Make sure your vehicle’s lighting systems work inside and out, front to back.

If you’re the forgetful type, here’s some good news: Starting in 2021, new cars will have tail lights that automatically come on with the daytime running lights and in low-light conditions. In some cars, if you forget to turn them on, the instrument panel will stay dim as a reminder.

Check your headlights

Headlights can get dirty and damaged from weather, abrasives, and road debris. If your car has some years on it, the headlights may have gotten dimmer without you even noticing. It’s a problem that affects one out of every three cars in Quebec.

Since the wear and tear is gradual, the loss of visibility isn’t always obvious, especially in the city. One CAA-Quebec study showed that, in less urban, lower lit areas, your reaction time is six seconds longer when driving 40 km/h. In other words, a motorist will perceive a potential obstacle up to 60 metres earlier if their headlights are crystal clear.

There are two solutions: Get your headlights polished by a professional, like at a CAA-Quebec Approved Auto Repair Service Location, or buy over-the-counter products and do it yourself, although the results don’t usually last as long.

Beware of glare

Under Section 425 of the Highway Safety Code, when a driver is within 150 metres of an oncoming vehicle or one they are following, they must switch from high beams (with a range of 150 metres) to low beams (with range of 45 to 75), or be subject to a fine of $60 to $100 (plus costs).

Frequently get flashed when your high beams aren’t on? Your headlights may need adjusting. This can be common with new cars, but is especially the case with vehicles that have been in an accident. Your mechanic or a professional with precision equipment can easily take care of this for you. You won’t be blinding people anymore and you’ll be able to see better than ever.

Thinking about upgrading your headlights to high intensity xenon or LED bulbs? You may want to reconsider: You could end up blinding other drivers and getting fined. Your vehicle’s headlamp assembly was designed with mirrors that project light at a set angle and distance using specific bulbs. Changing them could make you all too visible!

Adapting your driving habits at night

Darkness reduces your field of vision, but here are a few bright ideas for driving safer at night:

• Stick to the highway and avoid two-lane roads, where visibility is more of an issue.
• If you have to use back roads, slow down. Knowing that distances are harder to judge at night, look beyond the range of your headlights and be wary of wildlife.
• Don’t let yourself get blinded. While an oncoming car is still a ways away, switch your gaze to the right shoulder of the road and use the lane markers to guide you.
• If an oncoming vehicle does blind you, feel free to flash your lights to signal the driver to switch to low beams. Don’t be too pushy about it though: Some modern and luxury models are equipped with LEDs and even the low beams are bright.
• Don’t tailgate.
• When in doubt, pass on passing.
• Use the night and day modes on the rearview mirror.
• Don’t put anything on the dashboard that could be reflected in the windshield and impede your view.
• If your vehicle doesn’t adjust automatically, manually dim the dashboard and touch screen settings to minimize eye strain.
• Remember that drinking (and some medicines) and driving don’t mix and aren’t worth the risk. Stay alert and be on the lookout for impaired drivers—all too common at night.

Maintain your windshield, wipers, and mirrors

• Keep your windshield and mirrors clean.
• Replace or repair your windshield if the surface is damaged.
• Apply a glass treatment (like Aquapel) to the windshield to improve visibility in rain and snow.
• Replace your wipers at least once a year, ideally in the fall or earlier if a blade breaks.

If you’re too tired to drive, don’t

Did you know that, along with speed, distraction, and alcohol, fatigue is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents? Learn to recognize these sure signs of driver fatigue:

• Frequent yawning
• Tingling eyes
• Heavy eyelids that won’t stay open
• Trouble finding a comfortable position
• Slower reaction time
• Seeing things and spacing out

If you experience any of these sensations, the only solution is to pull over! Find a safe place to park and take a 20- to 30-minute nap, or get out and stretch your legs.

When driving long distances, plan your stops in advance—where and when (at least every two hours). Eat light meals, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Better yet, avoid driving at night or when you’d normally be sleeping.

Practise night driving

CAA-Quebec Driving Schools, for instance, offer personalized driving courses so you can drive with an expert and get more confident.

And of course it’s important to stay up to date with tips on road safety and info from reliable sources like the CAA-Quebec Foundation, working every day to reduce the number and severity of road accidents and save lives!