10 Things to Remember Before Driving on Indian Highways at Night
Introduction
Due to wide road lanes and uninterrupted traffic flow, many feel that highways are safer in comparison to the regular roads of India. The experience of driving on Indian highways, however, during the night, reveals certain characteristics of driving that one should be aware of.
The poor visibility, pedestrians, animals, busy commercial traffic, fatigue of drivers, and the speed of vehicles can make night accidents especially fatal. Recognizing these dangers does not mean that driving during the night should be avoided, but rather that the driver should be aware of the dangers behind night driving.
Table of Content:
- Introduction
- Why Are Highways More Dangerous at Night?
- Why Can Highway Accidents Cause More Severe Injuries?
- Practical Safety Tips Before a Night Highway Journey
- Prevention Is More Effective Than Treatment
- Conclusion
Why Are Highways More Dangerous at Night?
1. Reduced Visibility
Even with high-quality headlights, the ability to see anything far away or even well enough can still be less at night than during the day. Because of this fact, oncoming traffic or obstacles will not be visible until they are very close to the vehicle.
This situation becomes especially crucial on highways, where speed is higher since it would be difficult for drivers to spot the danger and come to a stop.
2. Poorly Illuminated Roads
Another issue is insufficient lighting on roads. In many stretches of Indian highways, street lights are either absent or poorly positioned. Visibility is even further decreased in construction zones, diversions, stretches of a rural road, or poorly marked intersections.
It is better for drivers to reduce the speed of their vehicles whenever visibility is poor rather than rely on their headlights.
3. Pedestrians Crossing Highways
Highways run through or by settlements like towns, cities, and villages. Pedestrians might unexpectedly walk across roads, especially close to bus stops, restaurants, gas stations, or settlements themselves.
In sufficient darkness, the color of clothing may make pedestrians difficult to see.
4. Straying cattle and others
Cattle and domestic animals like dogs may suddenly appear on the highway. The animal may be almost invisible until hit by car headlights.
Braking suddenly or swerving to avoid hitting an animal could lead to losing control over the vehicle or hitting another car.
5. Slow Vehicles and Stationary Vehicles
Tractors, farming vehicles and trailers often move much slower than standard traffic. Others may not be equipped with good lighting or reflective markings.
Stationary cars and trucks can be more dangerous if not adequately marked with warning triangles, hazard lights or reflectors.
Be sure to give plenty of space and do not assume any object seen on the road is moving at your speed.
6. High-Beam Usage
High-beam lights can cause temporary difficulties for drivers going in the opposing direction. Bright lights can prevent seeing road borders, pedestrians or other obstructions.
Do not look directly into oncoming headlights. Slow down if your sight is impeded by the lights.
7. Fatigue and Drowsiness
Exhaustion is one of the most underestimated threats in night driving. Even a healthy person can find himself dangerously sleepy after a long working day or several hours driving. Driving during the body’s normal sleeping time can further decrease vigilance.
Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment and lowers concentration. In serious occurrences, the driver might even have brief sleep episodes lasting only a few seconds. At highway speed, just a couple of seconds of insufficient vigilance correspond to a significant distance.
When struggling to keep eyes open, yawning frequently, missing signs, and drifting out of the lane, it is necessary to pull over in a safe place and have a rest. Opening the window and turning up the volume is not a substitute for sleeping.
8. Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Alcohol has a tremendous impact on our judgment, coordination, speed of response, and ability to assess distance and speed. These effects become particularly dangerous in combination with nighttime driving and high speeds.
Remind drivers never to drink and drive and that some medicines may cause drowsiness and reduce alertness.
9. Heavy Commercial Traffic
There is a lot of heavy commercial traffic at night on highways. Trucks and buses are bigger and heavier and need more distance to stop properly.
Avoid remaining either way in the blind spot of a truck. When passing, make sure there is enough distance and visibility before making a maneuver.
10. Fog, Rain and Winter Conditions
The presence of thunderstorms, fog, and winter weather conditions alter visibility significantly. The issue with fog is that drivers may not realize how limited their visibility is. Thus, it is good to drive slower than usual, keep a bigger distance behind the car in front, and turn on all necessary vehicle lights. Avoid braking suddenly or making sudden maneuvers when the visibility is low.
Why Can Highway Accidents Cause More Severe Injuries?
Speed can have a big impact on the severity of the accident. Crashes on highways will include major forces, as speed is often considerable.
Traffic accidents can lead to brain injuries, breast injuries, injuries of the abdomen, fractures, or injuries of the spine. Some internal injuries may not be immediately obvious from the outside, which is why prompt medical evaluation after a significant crash can be critical.
Practical Safety Tips Before a Night Highway Journey
If possible, it is advised to travel in daylight. If you need to take a nighttime road trip:
- Don’t leave for a long journey after a hard day’s work.
- Make sure to rest before your trip.
- Take a break every couple of hours or sooner if feeling tired.
- Always stop the vehicle if you feel sleepy while driving.
- Check whether the headlights, brake lights, indicators and tires are in good condition before starting your trip.
- Make sure that each passenger wears a seatbelt.
- Make sure to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid using your cellphone as well as other distractions while driving.
- Slow down if visibility or road conditions are not good.
- Be extra careful in case of rain, fog, and winter conditions.
Plan your route and allow sufficient time for your trip to avoid speeding.
Prevention Is More Effective Than Treatment
Road accidents are not only a transport problem but also a serious health issue. Sikund Diagnostic Centre often addresses issues associated with the consequences of high-velocity road traffic accidents such as fractures, spinal injuries, and internal injuries that might require CT or MRI investigation. Modern imaging techniques assist doctors in identifying injuries but prevention of an accident is still more efficient than treatment of its aftermath.
Conclusion
Driving on highways at night in India is riskier but the meaning of this conclusion should not be to say that one should never drive during the night. If driving at night is unavoidable, careful planning, sufficient sleep, defensive driving techniques, driving at the correct speed, and strict observation of safety rules will help minimize danger. It is better to reach your destination later than take undue risks on the road.
