We went over to winter time this past Sunday. The shift in time results in darker afternoons and evenings, which leads to more hours working in the dark. Driving in the dark drastically changes the working conditions of professional drivers.
Research shows that almost half of all road accidents occur in the period of November to January as a consequence of the darkness. Darkness affects humans in multiple ways. Fatigue and difficulty concentrating are closely associated with night-time. It is not safe for a tired, inattentive driver to be on the road. We have therefore compiled 5 simple tips.
It is significantly more difficult to judge distance in the dark. You should therefore increase the minimum distance to the vehicle ahead of you by a good margin.
Adapt your speed to the current conditions.
Climb out of the truck and stretch your legs. Motion and fresh air boost concentration and will help you to arrive at your destination safe and sound.
Make sure you have wiper fluid and that your wiper blades are in good condition for better visibility and safer driving.
Keep your lights scratch-free and clean to ensure you and your vehicle are visible to other road users.
Look after yourself and other road users - safety above all.