Is night driving more dangerous than you think?
| Published date | 11 March 2024 |
| Author | AVI STERN |
| Publication title | Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel) |
Driving at night can be a complex task, especially when darkness impairs visibility. The challenges of fatigue and the increased risk of encountering other drivers facing similar difficulties make night driving more hazardous. Here are some additional challenges to consider:
Limited Visibility: Darkness limits our ability to see, making it harder to identify obstacles and navigate the road.
Fatigue and Reduced Alertness:Fatigue and reduced alertness significantly increase the risks of the accident at night. Attention, critical to performance, decreases in late hours due to lack of sleep and natural circadian rhythms. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the United States confirms that attention is lowest at night, improving by noon and peaking in the afternoon. It affects work, study and driving schedules, and highlights the danger of driving at night due to decreased cognitive function.
Glare from Oncoming Vehicles: High beams from oncoming vehicles can cause glare and impair driving ability.
Adjusting Headlights: Proper management of high and low beam headlights is especially needed at night to maintain good visibility without blinding other drivers.
Other Drivers' Behavior: Other drivers may be tired, inattentive, or even intoxicated, increasing the risk of accidents.
Animals and Obstacles on the Road: The increased risk of nighttime driving in Israel is heightened by wildlife, such as jackals, wolves, and hyenas, which are more active at night and harder to spot. Research by Dror Danboom of the Technion revealed these animals adjust their movements to avoid roads during the day, significantly increasing their road crossings at night. This nocturnal behavior, aimed at minimizing human encounters, elevates the chances of vehicle-wildlife collisions in the dark, making night driving riskier due to reduced visibility. The research also found that road lighting helps species like hares, hedgehogs, and eagle owls avoid collisions at night by enabling them and drivers to spot each other. This highlights the need to consider animal welfare when constructing new roads in Israel.
Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or other atmospheric conditions can be more challenging at night.
Identifying Signs and Lanes: Identifying road signs, signage, and lanes is more complicated at night, especially in areas without adequate lighting.
By ensuring optimal visibility, driving more cautiously than during the day, and staying...
To continue reading
Request your trial