This week’s tip, taken from Delaware’s Driver Manual, concerns night driving. You may want to pass this advice onto your drivers as a friendly reminder.

Night driving is always more difficult and dangerous than day driving. Per mile driven, the fatal accident rate at night throughout the nation is two-and-one-half times as high as during the day. At night the driver does not see as far, as soon or as much, and everything has a different appearance.

The glare of oncoming headlights greatly increases the difficulty, especially for older drivers. The glare causes the pupils of the eyes to contract, and it takes time for them to readjust to less intense light. During this recovery period you may be driving as though blind.

You can make your night driving safer in these ways: 

•  Most important of all, don’t overdrive your headlights. 

•  Keep your speed low enough to be able to stop in the distance you can see ahead. 

•  When passing vehicles, do not stare at their headlights. 

Use quick glances to:

-  Learn lane position of oncoming vehicles

-  Learn your own position

-  Be certain of the right edge of road

-  Look ahead for objects in your path.