When driving, paying attention to what is ahead, behind, and around you is paramount. More often than not, an accident occurs because of something you may not have seen or a lapse in concentration, which is more likely to happen at night.

If you are working with fleet drivers, there is a good chance that they drive in the evenings on a regular basis. This means that they are at a higher risk of an accident, which can be detrimental to their well being and your business.

For that reason, we want to share with you some tips to ensure that your fleet drives are safer at night.

1. Do not tailgate

It is never recommended that you tailgate a vehicle, whether it’s day or night. Always ensure you are at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. This way, if something were to happen to the vehicle ahead, such as a sudden slowdown, you will have enough time to react. Also, if you find that a car behind is too close for comfort, either let them overtake, change lanes, or if need be, pull over and let them pass.

2. Clean the windows

While a window may look relatively clean during the daytime, tiny smudges and dirt can become more apparent at night, especially when there is light shining directly at you. Because of this, it is always a good habit to regularly clean the windows for maximum visibility. An effective way to clean your windows is to use a window cleaning solution and some paper towel to wipe the surfaces. 

3. Maintain the headlights

At twilight or at night, you should never drive around without your headlights. Failing to do so puts yourself and others around you at a higher risk of an accident, and strict fines apply for negligence. If your headlights are broken, fix them immediately. If they are not pointed in the proper direction, have them repositioned. A poorly positioned headlight is as good as not having one, so ensure this problem is addressed appropriately.

4. Do not look directly at light sources

Do not look directly at light sources, whether they come from a building or incoming traffic. Doing so will blind you temporarily, impairing your vision on the road. This also applies to any light behind you, as your rear-view mirror can reflect it directly into your eyes. If this is the case when you drive, reposition the mirror immediately. At the same time, try to alert the other driver to lower their high beams if you can.

Conclusion

You should never assume that driving during the day is the same at night. More risks appear when the sun goes down, but you and your fleet can drive as safely as possible by following the tips above. That way, you lower the chances of getting into an accident, ensuring the safety of your staff and effectively lowering the costs for your business as a whole.

With that said, if you are driving the whole night, do not forget to take breaks. Driving when tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence and should be taken seriously.

Lewis Auto Hire offers long-term light vehicle hire for a variety of industries and needs. If you are looking for fleet hire, our company specialises in providing mining vehicle hire for Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth and Sydney. Give us a call us a call today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect vehicle to rent for your needs!