What are the precautions for novice drivers driving on highways at night?
3 Answers
What are the precautions for novice drivers driving on highways at night: 1. Pay attention to rest: Ensure sufficient sleep before driving to prepare for night driving. If feeling drowsy during the journey, take a break at the service area and avoid forcing yourself to continue driving; 2. Pre-drive inspection: Before driving at night, conduct a comprehensive check of the car's lights, engine oil, coolant, tire pressure, etc., to prevent malfunctions during night driving; 3. Maintain a safe distance: Night driving can affect the driver's vision and reaction time, so it's important to keep a safe distance to ensure adequate braking distance; 4. Proper use of high and low beams: On roads without a median barrier, using high beams for oncoming vehicles can impair your own visibility. Therefore, on such roads, switch to low beams when encountering oncoming traffic to avoid being dazzled by their headlights.
As a seasoned long-distance driver, here are some heartfelt tips for beginners. When driving on the highway at night, the first priority is to ensure all lights are in good condition—check your headlights, fog lights, and turn signals before setting off, and top up your windshield washer fluid. I always maintain a following distance at least twice as long as during the day, keeping at least 150 meters behind the car ahead, because visibility at night is effectively halved. Grip the steering wheel firmly, as you’ll noticeably feel the car sway in crosswind sections. I usually refuel before getting too low—some service areas close after midnight, so start looking for a gas station when your tank is down to one-third. Take a break every two hours of continuous driving; splash cold water on your face and eat a few bites of chocolate—it works better than coffee for staying alert. Remember to switch your phone navigation to night mode and dim the screen brightness to avoid glare.
Young drivers often feel nervous on their first night highway drive—I remember my palms were drenched in sweat. Now I realize the key lies in proper light operation: use high beams only when there’s no car ahead, and immediately switch to low beams if you see glare in the rearview mirror. Turn on headlights two seconds before entering or exiting tunnels to avoid sudden blindness. Following a moderately paced family car is safest, as maintaining a steady rhythm helps ease anxiety. I suggest practicing on short weekend night highway trips first—don’t attempt 300-500 km drives right away. Having an experienced co-driver is helpful, but avoid letting their chatter distract your judgment. Choose light-tinted window films; dark tints make rearview mirrors nearly invisible at night. Keep music volume low—focusing on tire noise and engine sounds actually boosts confidence.
