Driving at night is something that very few people can avoid, and especially for those who work late shifts or have poor night vision, it can add a whole new layer of stress to an already rather exhausting activity. Whether you’re a hardened night owl, a caffeine addict, or new to driving after dark in California, it never hurts to consider adding a few new tricks to your routine.
Talk Smarter
As convenient at texting may normally be, taking your eyes off the road is a serious danger, even more so at night when your vision is already limited to whatever your headlights can illuminate, or when the reflexes of yourself and other drivers may be slowed by exhaustion. Talking on the phone using a hands free app can help you stay awake, but no matter what, the road should be your main focus, especially in large vehicles like semi-trucks that can be slow to brake or turn.
Get the Right Gear
If you find yourself needing to talk on the phone or use the GPS a lot, consider getting a dashboard mount for your phone. This will make it easier for you to check the screen when absolutely necessary, as well as putting the phone in a great position to talk on speaker phone. Some newer models of cars can have Bluetooth capabilities as well, for truly hands on driving. And for when you’re backing up or parking, having backup cameras for trucks, especially in a busy city like Fresno, California, can make it much easier to avoid obstacles in the dark. Some industry’s top manufacturer’s backup cameras for trucks even offer guidelines that project your path, which is especially useful for large vehicles like trucks in Fresno, California.
Stay Sharp
If you find yourself starting to fall asleep at the wheel and are worried about drinking stimulants like energy drinks or coffee before you head to bed, try rolling down the window or playing an upbeat song to stay awake. If you’re on a road trip or will otherwise be driving for a while, consider traveling with a second driver to tag team or, if alone, pull over for a brief nap. Driving while exhausted is a form of impaired driving, so whenever possible avoid getting behind the wheel if you can’t be at your best.
