There are hundreds of traffic accidents every year in the state of Missouri. Some even resulting in deaths. Most of the time the accidents are a result of careless driving from not using common sense or defensive driving techniques.
The Missouri Department of Revenue has published a small book called the Safe Driver Guide. One chapter deals solely with driver safety during special driving conditions.
For example, night driving increases the chance of an accident for many reasons, one of which is simply the glare of oncoming headlights that make it more difficult to see the road ahead of you, not to mention the impact that darkness surrounding you limits what you can see. Please be aware that you must use your headlights any time weather conditions require the use of your windshield wipers.
Here are a few tips for night driving:
• Make sure your windows are clean.
• Turn your headlights on from ½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before sunrise.
• Make sure your headlights are clean and working well. Have them checked from time to time for correct aim.
• Use your high beams only when there are no oncoming vehicles.
• Do not overdrive your headlights. Your headlights only let you see about 350 feet ahead. Be sure you are driving slow enough to stop or turn if needed.
• Use your low beams when you come within 500 feet (about one block) of an oncoming vehicle. Also use your low beams when following another vehicle within 300 feet.
• Slow down when nearing a curve if you are driving the maximum posted speed limit.
• Use the edgeline as a guide. If there is no edgeline, use the center line to guide you.
• Stay awake and alert. Do not drive if you feel tired.
• Watch carefully for highway signs as they are harder to see at night.
• Watch carefully for people and vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
Remember, your goal when night driving is to “Arrive Alive.”