FUN FACT
All aspiring learner drivers (be it from anywhere Down-Under) have to get at least 20-hours of night driving as they work on their P-plates.
But This Can Be A Real Challenge Especially In
Improper street lights
Bright streaks of light coming towards you from different cars
Restrictions in peripheral vision
As well as difficulty in identifying hazards and collisions
But since mastering how to drive during night time is mandatory; here are some key tips offered by affordable night driving lessons in Nedlands.
Let's begin !
Avoid Using High Beams Whenever There Is Oncoming Traffic
Don't look to use high beams (otherwise known as brights) whenever there is traffic approaching you. They usually project light beams higher in comparison to normal headlights - that are pointed towards the ground.
Not while it gives you much better visibility, the downside to this is it blinds the other drivers approaching you.
Ideally, you must turn off your high beams if you notice a car approximately 200m from your car. Or else it could turn into one unexpectedly nasty collision.
Look To Flip The Switch At The Base Of Your Rear-View Mirror
A lot of learner drivers don't know what happens when you flip the little switch at the base of your rear-view mirror. So, to jog their memory; it alters how rear view mirrors reflect the light, dim the lights of drivers trailing you, while letting you see everything.
Not flipping the switch can cause those bright streaks of light occurring behind to impair your night vision and resultantly hamper your driving.
So take note to flip the switch as it only takes a second to do it.
Switch off The Interior Lights Whenever Driving
If the interior of your car is all bright and well lit up, then shut them off. Or else your eyes won't be able to adequately adjust to the on-road darkness. And when that happens, it hampers your road-sense, depth perception and even road vision and makes you more prone to getting into collisions or accidents.
To avoid such unwanted happenstances, you will need to turn off the interior lights and devote complete attention to the road ahead. Also avoid getting distracted by the sparkling banner boards or bright streaks of headlights from up -approaching cars.
Stay focused and use your driving skills properly when driving at night. It will most certainly prove very useful to you and others around you.
Drive Slowly & As Per The Speed Limit
While driving at night time; you should look to control your speed and stay true to the levied speed limit.
Also look to increase your trailing distance by a good 6-9 seconds to increase your reaction time and give you those extra few seconds to identify the hazard and make the necessary adjustments.
It is one aspect of night driving which most driving instructors give importance to whenever imparting knowledge to aspiring learners. And with good reasons too, simply because during times of emergency, this rule could end up saving lives.
Always keep your Eyes Moving Due To Reduced Visibility
During night time, visibility is low and so it is very common for drivers (particularly learners) to zone out and ignore what's happening on the commuting road. They don't pay the attention they should and potentially make themselves more prone to getting into a nasty collision.
This should not be the case. While driving, it is imperative for learner drivers to keep their eyes moving all around and pay attention to whatever's happening around them.
And if you feel tired, drowsy or un-well to drive - DON'T drive!
