It is without a doubt that night driving can be a very aggravating experience, it presents unique challenges, increased risks, and lives have been lost in sojourns of darkness.
With the festive seasons fast approaching, and curfew being lifted, a good number of Kenyans are likely to travel in search of adventure, some are likely to set foot earlier whereas others are likely to begin their journey late in the night. Either way, there are factors you need to put into consideration before embarking on a night drive.
In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke Joshua Omukata, an officer in charge of Traffic in Nairobi broke down some of the do's and don'ts when driving at night.
Get Enough Rest Beforehand
Fatigue is one of the major causes of distractions while driving, therefore always ensure you have had a good rest before embarking on a journey. Night driving can be very cumbersome especially if done for longer hours always get a driving partner to share driving duties with if you can.
Avoid Any Food and Medication That Is Likely to Make You Drowsy
Always avoid ingesting substances that are likely to make you drowsy, this could be food, drinks, medication among others as they are likely to impair your judgment.
Additionally, do not drink and drive.
Ensure Your Car Is Ready
Always ensure that your car has gone through all the necessary servicing beforehand to reduce the chances of getting stuck in the middle of the road as a result of a breakdown.
Confirm that all your tires are well functioning and even ensure you have a spare tire in your boot in case of any emergency.
Additionally, confirm that your brakes are well functioning.
Confirm All Your Lights Are Well Functioning
Before you embark on a journey always take time to confirm that all the lights from the front to all the other lights you will be using are well functioning. This will provide you with enough lighting to be able to see clearly.
Ensure That Your Headlights Are Aligned
Misaligned headlights can lead to an uneven projection which could lead to safety incidents, therefore always ensure that your headlights are well aligned to prevent them.
Reduce Distractions
Ensure that you can easily access everything you are using at the moment at arm's length or you could have someone passing them to you.
At the same time, get rid of anything that may distract you such as music and unnecessary conversations so that you are able to fully put your focus on driving.
Minimize Speed
Whenever you are driving at night always slow down, this is because during the night objects appear further than they really are, thus distorting your vision, driving fast limits you from controlling damage.
Rest in Between
After every four to five hours take a twenty minutes break , stretch, and update your family about your progress.If tired pack on a secure area and take a rest.
Be Alert
Be very cautious when on the road, watch out for oncoming traffic and any possible attacks from people lurking in the dark.
Ensure your doors are well locked as well as your windows so as to prevent possible attacks. Additionally, you can have a number on speed dial in case of an emergency.
Upgrade Your Headlights
To improve your vision always ensure that your headlights are updated. This will also enable other drivers to easily see you and minimize straining as you drive.
