What Should Novices Pay Attention to When Driving at Night?
2 Answers
Precautions for novice drivers at night: 1. Do not drive too fast, as visibility is poor at night, making it difficult to avoid emergencies; 2. Use lights properly, minimize the use of high beams—only use them on poorly lit roads or when no oncoming vehicles are present. Turn them off when there are oncoming vehicles, and use low beams normally. Turn on hazard lights when temporarily parked, and always use turn signals in advance when changing lanes or overtaking; 3. Try to avoid overtaking. Poor visibility at night makes it hard to determine if there are obstacles or road potholes around the vehicle. Wait for well-lit and wide road sections to find opportunities to overtake; 4. Stay observant. When driving at night, always pay close attention to road conditions. At intersections, watch for vehicles from both sides. Be cautious of pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles suddenly crossing in urban and village roads, and reduce speed accordingly.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience, I believe the most crucial things for beginners driving at night are controlling speed and maintaining patience. With poor visibility at night, your eyes need time to adjust to the darkness, so starting off slowly is essential. Make sure your headlights and turn signals are functioning properly—don't wait until you're on the road to discover a bulb is out. In areas with streetlights, avoid using high beams to prevent blinding oncoming drivers; on unlit roads, you can use high beams but should switch back to low beams promptly to prevent accidents in blind spots. Additionally, pay extra attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and potential animals darting out, as they can be hard to spot due to insufficient reflectivity. Remember to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue driving—prolonged driving sessions increase the risk of mistakes. Keep the car music at a moderate volume; staying attentive to road sounds enhances safety.