SAFETY DESK: Take Care Driving in the Dark
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By SHAWN CASSIDY
Field Safety Specialist, Lyman-Richey Corporation
Night driving is defined as driving in hours of full darkness, from 15 minutes after sunset until 15 minutes before sunrise, which limits visibility. Statistics have shown that the risk of accidents increases during this window.
We routinely start or end our days in the dark during this time of year. Use the following points to help you at home and at work to be a safer driver.
HAZARDS OF DRIVING IN THE DARK:
Other vehicles and road users may not be easily visible.
Children are often waiting for the bus or walking to school.
An unlit road presents dangerous situations, including pedestrians walking on the road wearing dark clothes and cyclists or vehicles with faulty or no rear lights.
During daylight animals react to an approaching vehicle by running away but at night they tend to freeze when faced by the headlights of a vehicle.
It is difficult to judge the distance of an approaching vehicle or one in front of you, and this must be taken into consideration when overtaking or approaching a vehicle.
Bright lights of oncoming vehicles are another hazard. Never react to this by switching on your own vehicle’s bright lights.
Fatigue is also one of the main hazards of night driving that can affect either yourself or other drivers. Don’t try to beat fatigue.
Jobsites routinely use large portable lights that are frequently pointed in your direct line of travel. Be extra cautious because it is easy to lose sight of the spotter or other workers and equipment.
DRIVE SAFER IN THE DARK:
Don’t get behind the wheel if you feel tired or if you start to feel sleepy. Notify your supervisor/manager immediately of signs of fatigue.
Speed should be reduced at night as vision is restricted, and your stopping distance should be within the area of the light of your headlamps.
Be alert for vehicles that may have broken down and are parked on the side of the road.
Make sure you can maintain visual references to all workers, equipment, spotters, and other trucks in the jobsite. If it’s too dark, have them use a flashlight. If the light is too bright, ask them to stand more to the side so you are not looking directly into the light.
QUESTIONS
What are some other tips you can think of for driving in the dark?
What should you do if you encounter an unsafe situation when driving in the dark?
“That every employee returns safely to their family at the end of their shift.”