Blog / Car Insurance
Dangers of driving in the dark in Singapore and how to stay safe.
Singapore may be well-known for its high-octane Formula 1 Night Race, but for the regular motorist driving at night is not without its own special risks. In the dark visibility is reduced, as is the ability to judge speed and distance. This makes drivers more vulnerable to making mistakes and accidents; according to US Transport experts, traffic-related fatality rates can be up to three times higher during night-time hours.
Although Singapore boasts an extensive and well-lit road network, to help ensure the best possible driving conditions at night and to minimise the chances of an accident it’s worth following these safety tips:
Light your way:
- Make sure your car’s external lights are clean, in good working order and correctly adjusted; remember poorly-adjusted lights can also be a hazard to other road users not just yourself. Mandatory vehicle inspections at STA centres do include checks to lights and their alignment but you should also keep a lookout for any blown bulbs and the related dashboard warning lights.
- Help drivers to see you by turning on your lights in the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. Even though it’s not fully dark, visibility can be tricky due to the fading light and glare from the sun once it is lower in the sky.
- Keep windscreens clean to reduce glare and distortion that can be a problem under artificial light.
- Dim dashboard lights and do not leave internal lights on in the car after dark. Limiting the contrast between the inside and outside of the car can make it easier to see at night.
- Avoid the unnecessary use of headlights that can dazzle on-coming traffic.
- Get your eyesight checked regularly and be sure not to wear tinted lenses at night.
Keep a look out:
Reduced visibility at night means extra care and attention should be given to:
- Your speed and distance to the car in front. While it is always important to leave sufficient stopping distance, this becomes even more critical at night when conditions on the road ahead maybe unclear. Driving too close to the car in front can also dazzle and distract the driver.
- Watch out for vulnerable road users such as the elderly, pedestrians and cyclists that can be especially difficult to see.
- Signs of tiredness. Tiredness results in slower reaction times and decreased awareness and is a major risk of night driving. Simply put, if you are having trouble keeping your eyes open you should not be behind the wheel. You are a risk to yourself and others.
