Stay Safe as You Drive in the Dark

Employ these driving safety tips after dark.

As we transition into fall and winter, the days get shorter and the nights get longer.  This means that you may find yourself driving in the dark much more often than you did before.  Of course, driving at night introduces new risks that you need to be aware of.  While having the right auto insurance in Los Angles, California, can protect you, there are other tips you can try as well.   Here are some of the driving safety tips you should try after dark.

• Change Your Rear-View Mirror Setting

Many drivers are not aware that their rear-view mirrors have two settings—one for day driving and one for nighttime driving. This adjustment changes the angle of your mirror, minimizing the glare from other drivers' headlights.  To change your mirror to night mode, all you need to do is flip the tab at the bottom of your rear-view mirror.  Newer cars may have an automatic mirror that can be adjusted by hitting a special button.  Please refer to your car's owner's manual to learn how to change your rear-view mirror settings.

• Minimize Glare

When you are driving at night, the headlights from oncoming traffic can be distracting and blinding.  To reduce the impact of glare, make sure that you clean your car's windshield until it is streak-free.  This will prevent glare on your windshield that makes things harder to see.  When driving, keep your eyes trained ahead but slightly to the right.  This will prevent you from accidentally blinding yourself with the headlights from oncoming traffic.

• Dim Interior Lights

When driving at night, you should switch off the dome lights inside your car.  You should also adjust the brightness of your dashboard display, as this too can impair your vision.  Most cars are equipped with a dashboard dimmer switch.  Refer to your owners' manual to locate this setting in your car, and adjust your display until you feel more comfortable. If you want to be a safe driver, then employ these driving safety tips after dark.  Want another way to stay safe after dark?  Then make sure you have the right auto insurance in Los Angeles, California.  For assistance with all your car coverage needs, contact the experts at Fuller Insurance Agency in Southern California today.