Drive Safe at Night

Enlarge Image Image Gallery Be extra cautious and attentive while driving at night. SYLVANIA

Driving at night makes some people nervous, and with good reason. While there are fewer drivers on the road at night than during the day, about half of traffic fatalities happen after dark, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to make night driving safer.

Prep Your Car for Night Driving 

Keep it clean. Make sure your windows, headlights, tail lights and signal lights are clean so they’re easier for other drivers to see.

Switch your rearview mirror to the night setting. Flipping the small lever at the bottom of your mirror changes the angle of its reflective surface. You’ll still see the lights from the cars behind you, but they will be less bright in your eyes.

Make sure your headlights are aimed properly. If your headlights are misaligned, it can make it harder for you to see, and it can also disturb other drivers on the road.

Check your headlights at least once a year. According to SYLVANIA Automotive Lighting, headlights can dim up to 20 percent over time. A recent survey commissioned by the brand revealed that 55 percent of drivers have never changed their headlights or don’t know the last time they were changed. Here’s how to check your headlights:

• Park on a level surface facing five feet from a building wall or your garage door, then turn on your headlights.
• If the circles of light are bright and white, they are in good working condition.
• If they are yellow and dim, the bulbs should be replaced.

If you do need to change headlights, consider upgrading to a premium bulb, such as SilverStar ULTRA bulbs by SYLVANIA. They provide up to 40 percent increased down road visibility, up to 50 percent increased side road visibility, and up to 50 percent brighter light, compared with worn standard halogen headlights.