What are the precautions for driving on highways at night?
4 Answers
Precautions for driving on highways at night: pre-trip vehicle inspection, proper use of lights, speed control, avoiding fatigue driving, not stopping arbitrarily, and paying attention to highway signs. Here are the specific precautions: Pre-trip vehicle inspection: Although there are service areas on highways, it is inconvenient to handle a breakdown or even a threat to road and personal safety once the vehicle malfunctions during the journey. Therefore, it is necessary to check the vehicle condition before the trip. For long-distance driving, key areas to inspect include whether the tire condition is good, whether the lights are functioning properly, whether the fluids are sufficient, and in the rainy autumn season, the condition of the windshield wipers should also be checked. During long-distance driving, when people get out of the car to rest, the car should also be given time to rest, and the condition of important components should be monitored at all times to prevent problems before they occur. Proper use of lights: After dark, vehicles should turn on their headlights and rear fog lights. Regarding the use of high beams, the main point is to turn them on only when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching from the opposite direction. If an oncoming vehicle is detected, the high beams should be turned off. Regarding the use of lights for overtaking, when you intend to overtake, you should signal with the left turn light when the distance is about 80 meters, turn off the high beams, and flash the high beams when about to overtake. When a vehicle is overtaking from the left, you should also turn off the high beams and turn them back on after the vehicles are 100 meters apart. When driving at high speeds, high beams are necessary, and you should not be overly hesitant to use them. Speed control: The speed on highways at night should not be too fast, generally not exceeding 100 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too high, the use of high beams can be troublesome, as you need to protect your own visibility while also considering the visibility of surrounding vehicles. This becomes even more dangerous in bad weather. At high speeds, encountering construction or accidents can easily lead to instinctive blind driving, which is not conducive to traffic safety. Avoiding fatigue driving: During the journey, listening to refreshing music, staying hydrated, and taking timely breaks can help alleviate driving fatigue. Not stopping arbitrarily: If you encounter an emergency and need to stop on the highway, you should first consider whether you can make it to the service area. If not, you should stop on the emergency shoulder, turn on the hazard lights to warn following vehicles, avoid unnecessary movement of passengers, and maintain a safe distance. If the issue cannot be resolved quickly, you should promptly contact a tow truck via emergency phone and find a way to evacuate. Spending the night on the highway and figuring things out the next day is risky and not allowed. Paying attention to highway signs: If the navigation system can alert you to road construction and other situations, it is most convenient. However, if the road conditions are not updated in time, you should pay more attention to roadside signs while driving. Road construction and detours can affect the quality of the trip, and once you pass a point on the highway, you cannot turn back. Planning the trip in advance and scheduling driving time can ensure travel safety, and driving at night requires extra care to protect your own life.
I've been driving for many years and always take extra care when driving on highways at night. Poor lighting affects visibility, so maintaining a speed between 80-100 km/h is sufficient—don't drive too fast. Remember to use high beams appropriately to illuminate the distance ahead, but switch back to low beams when there's oncoming traffic or if the car in front is too close, to avoid dazzling others. Fatigue is a major enemy; take a 15-minute break at a service area every two hours to drink water and stretch. Checking your lights and tires is crucial—ensure your headlights are bright and tire pressure is normal to prevent blowouts before setting off. Wild animals may dart onto the highway, so stay focused and avoid distractions like using your phone. Bring spare water and snacks in case of unexpected delays—getting home safely is the ultimate goal.
As a young driver who frequently drives, I pay special attention to preventive details when driving on the highway at night. Five minutes before departure, I quickly check the lighting system, including high and low beams as well as the high-mounted brake light, to ensure clear visibility. I keep my speed below the limit and maintain at least a 5-second distance from the car in front, as judging distances is harder in the dark. If I feel fatigued, I don't push myself—I find an exit or service area to take a short nap. I avoid playing music too loudly in the car to stay focused. I also keep an eye on tire wear and ensure stable tire pressure to reduce risks. Carrying a power bank with a fully charged phone is essential, so I can navigate or call for help in case of unexpected road conditions—never letting minor issues turn into major disasters.
When traveling with family, nighttime highway safety is my top priority. I drive slowly to avoid sudden braking, ensuring the kids are securely seated in the back with seatbelts fastened. I plan ahead to stop at service areas every 60 minutes for restroom breaks, short walks, and eye relaxation. Checking that the headlights are functioning properly is crucial, as small oversights in the dark can lead to major issues. Maintaining a steady speed without exceeding 110 km/h is key, and I keep some fruits in the car to prevent the kids from waking up hungry. Reminding family members to silence their phones helps me focus on driving, as safely delivering everyone to our warm home is what matters most.
