Late Night Driving: A Night Owl’s Escape

There’s something about going on a late night drive that makes you wish the road would simply go on forever.

Late night drives give off an entirely different vibe compared to hitting the road as soon as the sun comes up. And if you’re not a fan of driving when the world has fallen asleep, here are a few things that might make you change your mind.

The Dimly-Lit Freeway Is the Road Less Traveled (But It’s the Best One Yet)

Nobody likes traffic, but for most people, it’s what they have to deal with when they’re working for eight hours a day, five times a week.

When you’re stuck on the road during rush hour, car horns make up your playlist, and you wear tailpipe emissions like perfume. You start your day tired, and you end it even more drained than before. Then, you have to endure all of it the next day, and the day after that.

Some people like to go on a late night drive to break this exhausting cycle. When it’s late at night, everything seems to slow down一almost everybody stops hustling, and the silence is almost deafening.

Going on a late night drive is perfect for those who want to calm themselves down after a long day at work. When the moon is out, the rat race seems to be nonexistent, and people can be alone with their thoughts.

The Empty Highway Is Your Stage

Everybody likes to blast their favorite tunes in the shower every once in a while, but doing the same thing when you’re driving down an empty highway is a completely different kind of fun.

The empty highway at midnight is where night owls come to play, driving with their windows rolled down and their speakers blaring. The best part? Nobody cares if you’re out of tune or missing a few words. The empty highway is your stage, and you can be whoever you want.

The Midnight Canvas Is Something Else

Most people would agree that the sunrise paints a pretty picture一it’s a reminder that your day is about to begin and that there are dozens of opportunities to look forward to.

Night time is as scenic as the day一especially when you’re driving to a spot where you can see the city lights, twinkling stars, and full moon. You can even make your road trip more enjoyable by packing a light picnic with your favorite snacks and drinks.

Precautions When Going On a Late Night Drive

Now that you’re convinced that going on a late night drive isn’t such a bad idea, there are a couple of things you should know for your safety.

It’s no secret that traffic death rates are higher during the night, and this is mostly because of factors like fatigue and low visibility. So before pulling out of the driveway at midnight, make sure to take note of these safety tips:

Rest Up

If you’re looking to go on a long road trip at night, make sure you have enough energy to pay attention to the road at all times.

The human brain produces more sleep-inducing melatonin when it’s dark, which explains why most people sleep at night instead of during the day.

Getting enough rest before driving is crucial to a safe and enjoyable road trip when it’s late at night.

Staying awake for 18 hours is similar to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%. This means that driving while you’re sleep-deprived is like driving while intoxicated.

Don’t Drive Too Fast

It can be tempting to hit the pedal to the metal and ignore the stop signs when the roads are clear. But always remember that driving too fast is never a good idea.

If you’re out on the road during night time, it’s best to drive slower than usual, so you have more time to react when faced with unforeseen obstacles.

Check Your Lights

Driving at night without headlights is like driving with your eyes closed. Make sure to check all of your lights before driving.

Clean Your Windshield

It’s already hard to see the road at night even with the headlights on, and driving with a dirty windshield will make it more challenging.

Keep Up With Your Vehicle’s Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Nobody likes to have their engine die out in the middle of the road一especially when it’s dark. So before going on a late night road trip, make sure you’re up to date with your daily driver’s preventive maintenance schedule (PMS) to avoid unscheduled repairs.

Late Night Driving Dangers

Though driving late at night can feel liberating, it can also be risky. Always be on the lookout for drunk drivers and construction workers. Your visibility will be reduced due to the darkness. On top of that, if you’re driving after a long and busy day, fatigue might slow down your reflexes and ruin your focus.

Hampered Vision

Driving late at night means you’ll be forced to rely on your headlights, the lights of other cars, and whatever road lights are available. This can be a problem because you might miss potential obstacles and hazards and drive right into them.

Potholes, boulders, fallen trees, and other obstacles can be difficult to see in darkness. The same applies to wildlife crossing the road.

Drunk Drivers

Even though driving while inebriated is illegal, some people drive home after a night out drinking alcohol or using drugs. These substances negatively affect drivers by slowing their reflexes, decreasing their motor functions, and impairing their vision.

Inebriated drivers are dangerous, and there’s no way to tell if they’re driving the cars around you. So it’s best to be wary of other vehicles on the road late at night.

Fatigue

After a long and busy day, people often get tired, sleepy, and otherwise exhausted. The body prepares to go to bed at night, which can affect your driving.

Failing to give yourself time to rest doesn’t just spoil your focus and make you feel sluggish. You’ll also be more vulnerable to diseases and long-term fatigue. This is because sleep deprivation and exhaustion weaken your immune system.

Active Construction Zones

When driving late at night, always keep an eye out for construction zones and construction workers. People might be working on roads, blocking the routes you’d normally take. Other times, they’ll work on buildings along the side, obstructing the way with trucks and heavy-duty equipment.

Late Night Driving Essentials

Here are a couple of things you might want to keep in your trunk before going on a late night drive.

First Aid Kit

You can be a defensive driver and still end up getting hit by an oncoming vehicle. Always have a first aid kit stored in your car in case of road crashes.

GPS

It can be difficult to navigate the road at night, which is why you should bring a GPS device with you as you drive.

GPS devices can help you navigate routes with ease and identify landmarks.

Flashlight

Having a flashlight in your glove compartment comes in handy when searching for small objects under the seats or some parts under the hood when needed.

Food and Water

You’ll never know how long you’re going to be out on the road, so it’s best to have enough food and water in case you get hungry while driving.

Wrapping Up

Late night driving is a good way to relax after a stressful day. It’s a simple activity that can help you clear your headspace or simply have a good time.

However, keep in mind that additional safety measures should be observed when driving at night. Fatigue and dim roads are only some of the reasons why most accidents happen at night.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to be prepared at all times before going out for a drive. Aside from bringing the essentials, also make sure your vehicle has no faulty parts before going on a road trip.