As summer finally comes to an end, so do those long summer days filled with warmth and sunlight. The days are getting shorter, requiring extra caution when driving in the dark. According to the National Safety Council, death rates from traffic accidents are three times higher at night than during the day. Just because those warm summer days are long gone doesn’t mean people aren’t taking advantage of the cool fall weather to get outside. Kids ride bikes, teenagers skateboard and rollerblade, and couples go for a brisk walk with their dog. But it only takes a second for a car to hit. Caution should go both ways; Always wear reflectors when you’re active outside on those dark fall nights, and be sure to drive carefully and avoid missing a pedestrian. It has been observed that although there is 60 percent less traffic on the roads, more than 40 percent of all fatal car accidents occur at night.

Driving depends on vision and eyesight, and vision is severely limited at night. According to a driving statistic, 90 percent of all driver decisions are made based on their vision. Although your eyes are capable of seeing in limited light, the combination of headlights and high beams, with the darkness beyond them, can cause various problems for your vision. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are compromised after the sun goes down. Another factor that adds danger to night driving is fatigue. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by decreasing concentration and slowing reaction time. At night time, when keeping your eyes on the road is most critical, distractions that take your eyes off the road can be deadly. Dialing and talking on the cell phone, eating, loading a CD, it all takes your eyes off the road. At 40 mph, it will travel nearly 180 feet in just three seconds. According to the National Safety Commission, studies show that nearly eighty percent of crashes involve driver inattention within three seconds of the crash.

The National Safety Council recommends several steps for driving at night; Prepare your car for the night by making sure all headlights, taillights, signal lights, and windows are clean and working properly. If you are not sure if they are working at their best, it is suggested that you bring your car to the shop to have it checked. The NSC also recommends that you aim your headlights correctly. Lights that are not pointed in the best direction will not make your vision the best it can be. They could also make it difficult for other drivers or pedestrians to see. Also, be sure to increase the distance you give to the cars in front of you. This is great advice for reducing accidents and keeping drivers and passengers safe. Slow down, as it is more difficult to judge how much distance is ahead of you in the dark. Likewise, make sure you can stop within the beam of your headlights. Lastly, if an oncoming driver does not lower their high beams, look to the right side of the road (usually the line of the lane) until your eyes adjust. Be courteous to other drivers and pay attention when using your high beams.

Do you have an inexperienced teen driver who will be driving at night? There are many great resources out there that will give your child tips on driving at night. Always discuss the dangers and consequences of driving in the dark. The Arizona Department of Transportation is a great example of a website that contains many invaluable tips and topics.

Planning a long trip this fall over the holidays? Many drivers choose to drive at night when there is less traffic. However, it has been observed that although there is 60 percent less traffic on the roads, more than 40 percent of all fatal car accidents occur at night. When taking a long trip that will take place at night, there are many things you can do to keep your family and others safe on the road. Obviously make sure all your headlights and taillights are working and clean your car windows to increase visibility. Plan the trip in advance and if there are other legal drivers, take turns. Also, try to avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping. Also, plan the actual route and find places to stop every two hours. Feeling tired and sleepy while driving is a warning sign. Ultimately, if you are feeling severe fatigue, the safest thing for everyone is to find a place to stop and rest. It won’t take long for you to feel refreshed, and the loss of time will pay off in the long run.

Because problems can happen to anyone at any time for various reasons. This can be a terrifying experience for any driver, especially in the dark where there is still traffic. If you are having car trouble, pull as far off the road as possible. Warn approaching traffic immediately by installing reflective triangles near your vehicle and 300 feet behind it. Turn on the blinkers and dome light. Stay off the road and move passengers away from the area.

Drivers are not the only people who must exercise caution on the streets at night. Fall is a great time to get some extra exercise or get some fresh air, but it is recommended that walkers, runners, and cyclists wear reflective clothing for increased visibility. Instead of walking down the street, use the sidewalks whenever possible and be sure to always look both ways before crossing the street. Many people use headphones when exercising, but these too must be used at an appropriate volume so that you can hear the traffic around you.

Fall also draws people for festivities like Columbus Day (no school), Day of the Dead, and Halloween. As children and their parents go trick-or-treating, extra caution should be exercised and slow down in these residential areas. Many costumes are dark and can make it difficult for children to see at night. Drivers should travel with extra caution, but parents should always remember to supervise their children and have them walk around in reflective clothing or even with glow sticks.

The most important message from any security department, police department, and even this article is to remind drivers and pedestrians to be extremely careful when driving at night. Fall is a beautiful season with cool weather, stunning color palettes, and shorter days. Keep our streets safe.