Dusk is a dangerous time for anyone to be driving, especially for truck drivers. Not only are many hazards, including pedestrians, shrouded in shadows, but oftentimes, as the sun begins to set, the sky becomes very bright. This brightness can wreak havoc on a driver’s eyes, especially when the sun sets low enough to shine right into the eyes. To make matters worse, many drivers often forget to turn on their headlights or may be feeling fatigued after a long day of driving. Other factors like speeding, dirty windshields, and dull headlights can also increase the danger of driving during dusk hours, so what can drivers do to protect themselves? Let’s find out.
- Clean your windshield: It’s not enough to just clean the outside of your windshield if the inside is covered in dust and smudges, obscuring your vision. If you know you’re going to be driving during dusk, it’s a good idea to thoroughly clean the inside and outside of your windshield to avoid and potentially annoying glares or other vision obstructions.
- Clean and polish headlights: What good will turning your headlights on do if they’re dull and hard to see when lit? Before embarking on long trips during dusk and nighttime, do a quick check of your headlights to make sure no bulbs need to be replaced and that the glass over the headlights is clean, not cloudy or dirty. If they are dirty, clean them up to improve the brightness of your headlights.
- Drive defensively: Dusk is a time when many drivers begin feeling tired from the long day on the road. Stay aware by frequently checking your surroundings. Keep tabs on the vehicles around you that may be more difficult to see with the diminishing sunlight. During dusk and evening hours, your peripheral vision goes downhill, so you will have to make more of an effort when checking your blind spots for vehicles while merging. Also, be on the lookout for tired drivers. If you spot a vehicle struggling to maintain a steady speed or that’s hovering between two lanes, leave plenty of space between your vehicle and theirs or pass when it’s safe to do so.
- Keep distractions to a minimum: Driving at dusk demands a lot of attention, so it’s best to get rid of or limit any distractions. If you’re feeling tired, take a break at a rest area or grab a late meal to stretch your legs. Avoid texting, making phone calls, or anything else that will take your attention off the road and the drivers around you.
There are many other ways to limit the dangers associated with driving at dusk, but it all boils down to being mindful of your surroundings and making smart decisions to keep yourself and other drivers safe.