AA provides safety tips for driving at night around Johannesburg
JOBURG – How to drive better in dark conditions.
About 56 per cent of crashes occur between 6 pm and 6 am, according to statistics by the Road Transport Management Corporation.
The Automobile Association (AA) said it is therefore important to understand how to drive better in dark conditions.
The AA said, “Firstly, and most importantly, anyone who suspects they have problems seeing at night should consult a doctor or optometrist to get their eyesight checked. Be honest with yourself about this as it is a safety aspect that needs checking. Equally important, anyone who needs prescription spectacles to drive must ensure they wear them, especially in low light conditions. Don’t let vanity outweigh safety as it’s not worth it.”
When driving at night use these safety tips:
- Have a clear route planned
- Ensure your headlights and brake lights are in working order. If towing, make sure the brake lights and indicators are connected properly and are functioning well
- Keep rear and front windscreens clean and make sure your defogger is working
- Avoid keeping your gaze focused at a single distance, as this can cause eye fatigue
- Turn your headlights on before sunset and keep them on after sunrise
- Don’t blind other motorists with your headlights
- Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you
- Drive slower at night
- Ensure you are well rested before getting behind the wheel at night.
“Also make sure that you are comfortable and able to negotiate driving at night before heading off on a long trip,” AA warned.
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