What is a recommended practice when driving at night?

Driving at night presents unique challenges due to decreased visibility. The recommended practice of driving slowly enough to stop within the range of your headlights is crucial because it allows you to react to obstacles or hazards that may appear suddenly in your path. Headlights have a limited reach, and if you are driving too fast, you might not have enough time to react to something that is illuminated by your headlights or that suddenly comes into view.

By maintaining a speed that allows you to stop safely within the distance illuminated by your headlights, you enhance your safety and that of others on the road. This practice is especially important on unlit roads or in adverse weather conditions, where visibility is further reduced. It promotes a defensive driving strategy that is critical in low-visibility situations.

Alternative practices, such as using high beams constantly or maintaining highway speed at all times, can reduce safety by blinding oncoming traffic or not allowing for timely stopping in response to hazards. Relying on other vehicles’ lights can also lead to unsafe driving behaviors, as you may not be able to see obstacles outside the areas lit by those lights. Adopting the habit of adjusting your speed according to your headlights’ range fosters a more cautious and responsible driving approach during nighttime conditions.