In 2009, Forbes magazine published an article which investigated the most dangerous times to drive. Driving in different elements or environments can produce different hazards to be aware of; therefore driving at night can be considered more dangerous than driving in the day time. Forbes study reported that most of the extreme elements that make driving dangerous are present at night.

Forbes also cited that accidents are three times higher at night time compared to day time. In the U.S., 49 percent of accidents take place at night; this means that for every mile, the rate is also three times higher than when the sun is out. One of the reasons that injuries and fatalities become much more rampant at night is because people are less likely to wear seatbelts and are more likely to speed and drive while intoxicated.

Other elements which are more likely to impair driving at night include less visibility, color and contrast changes, peripheral vision, and depth perception loss. In order to aid you at driving at night and increase visibility the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council (MVLC) has composed a list of tips:

• Use headlights advantageously;
• Be visible to others;
• Use your mirrors to see clearly;
• Adjust vehicle lighting;
• Clean dirty windows;
• Watch for other vehicles approaching;
• Do not tailgate; and
• When tired, take breaks

The MVLC cites that when driving it is safe and efficient to turn your headlights on an hour before sunset and off an hour after sunrise. On days when there is fog it is important to use the low beam lights; high beams should not be used because they make it harder for other drivers to see; they also decrease your visibility. Some vehicles also are manufactured with fog lamps which should be used with low beam lights in foggy conditions

They also cite that one safety precaution includes looking away from vehicles lights as they approach your vehicle. It is also suggested to look on the side of the road when blaring or bright lighted vehicles approach. Also, to avoid glare from automotives behind your car, adjust your side mirrors or use the day-night mirrors to eliminate copious amounts of light.

Another cause of light that can inhibit optimized driving at night is the light on your dashboard. There is a switch that will turn down the glare should it be a problem. Also, it is important that windows be cleaned so that you can see outside; the MVLC suggests that a five second distance be kept from the vehicle ahead of you to allow enough time should a possible accident occur. This aids you since night driving decreases perception and therefore a reaction time when driving.

Another source sites that stress can also affect driving conditions and distract you while you're driving at night. Allstate provides you with some tips for driving safely at night. Their first tip is to make sure that your car is working properly. A routine checkup is a good start for automotive safety. Second, avoid driving distractions such as using your cell phone on the road.

Lastly, make sure you get your eyes checked routinely; Allstate recommends this each year. They allege that cataracts are especially dangerous in night time driving and also suggest that should you wear glasses, there is a special anti-glare pair made that could be safer for night driving. Consult your eye doctor should you want to make the change.

If you are interested in learning more about night driving safety tips, contact your insurance company or any driving government website such as the NHTSA. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information to protect you and your loved ones on the road.