Driving your car through country roads is beautiful and scenic, but can be challenging once the sun goes down. Most country roads are poorly lit at night, and with animals running around and many roads having only two lanes, it can be dangerous for even the most experienced drivers. When driving on country roads at night, remember these 5 tips to keep you safe in the great outdoors.
1.Use your high beams
If you are driving on the side of a mountain, or on country roads that have no light for miles, use your high beams. Even though your high beams could potentially distract another driver, with roads that are this dark, it’s most important that you have enough visibility to spot things like potholes or animals on the road.
2.Look out for animals
An animal collision could cause as much damage to your car as colliding with another vehicle. According to Global News: “Of 3,061 Canadians…30 per cent of respondents said they had hit a small animal while on the road while 25 per cent said they had either hit or nearly hit a large animal.” If you do hit an animal with your vehicle, do not stop in the middle of the road to make sure that the animal is okay. Pull over on the side of the road and inspect from a safe place. Luckily, collisions with animals that cause damage to your car are probably covered by your insurance policy. Call your insurance provider in the event of an animal collision. If you’re animal collision isn’t covered, consider changing your car insurance policy to find one that allows for more coverage.
3.Keep an eye out for other cars on two-lane roads
When driving on country roads, some drivers will use the oncoming traffic lane in order to pass a slow moving car. Keep an eye out for behavior like this, especially late at night when visibility is low.
4.Look out for other drivers
Using your high beams while driving on country roads is necessary for safety, but if you see a vehicle coming in the opposite direction, dim your lights. High beams can be blinding to other drivers, and may disorient them and put them at risk for an automobile accident. As a general rule, switch to low beams when another driver is coming within 150 meters of your vehicle and keep them off until the other driver passes.
5.Use a navigation system
Seeing things like street and traffic signs can be difficult when driving on poorly lit roads. Use a navigation system to help you find where you’re going so that you can focus on the road. If you’re not sure if you see a traffic sign, slow down and flash your high beams for better visibility.
Taking a road trip is one of the best parts of Canadian summers, so it’s important to know how to navigate country roads that aren’t well lit.
