The 12 tips from the DGT for driving at night

The arrival of good weather is synonymous with longer and sunnier days. Many will agree that the rise in temperatures and the clarity of the skies help families take the car more, but that does not mean that their journeys do not last until night, when it is more likely to have an accident. .

First of all, keep in mind that on a return trip after a day of hiking with the children or with friends, you are not as alert as when you started the outward journey, you are more tired and the darkness does not benefit you. see the road clearly. Therefore, from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) they list a series of tips that every driver should take into account if he has to take his vehicle when it begins to get dark or when it is completely dark.

According to the DGT, during the night, at dusk or at dawn, almost 30,000 accidents with victims (29%) occurred in Spain in 2019. However, these accidents accounted for almost 40% of the fatalities (700), which confirms the greater severity of the accidents recorded during night driving. For this reason, the DGT lists a series of precautions that every driver must take into account so that driving at night does not have so much risk.

Tips for driving at night

1. The lights. It is important to check that the vehicle’s lighting works correctly, that is, there are no burned-out headlights, and to make sure that the lenses and glass are clean.

2. Adjustment. The DGT highlights the importance of properly regulating the exterior and interior mirrors.

3. Height. The driver must make sure that the height of his headlights is properly adjusted to offer good visibility and avoid inconvenience to other drivers, and also be respectful when using the dipped and main beam lights and the fog lights.

4. Sunset. Turn on the dipped beam lighting at least one hour before sunset.

5. Vision. Have your vision checked once a year.

6. Speed. The driver must adapt his speed to the lighting conditions of the road and increase the safety distance with the vehicle in front to have more reaction time in any type of unforeseen event.

7. Rest. If you are going to undertake a trip you must be rested. It is recommended to stop at rest stations every hour or hour and a half.

8. Measurements. Increase the frequency of monitoring the mirrors, ventilate the car and try to listen to music that does not distract you while driving to avoid drowsiness.

9. Symptoms of tiredness. Faced with symptoms of tiredness such as tearing, eye fatigue, drowsiness, eye beaks, the most appropriate thing is to locate a safe place, such as a service station, and rest before continuing the journey.

10. Cleaning. The rear window and windscreen wipers provide better visibility during the day, and at night, they avoid annoying reflections.

11. Lighted pathways. It is preferable to choose to drive on well-lit roads and in good condition for night trips.

12. Triangles. Always carry the warning signs of danger, such as the triangles or the V-16 sign in case of a breakdown, and reflective vests.