After a long, hot summer, autumn has finally arrived in the Carolinas.  With it come shorter days, cooler temperatures (finally!) and the beginning of the holiday season.  Although the holidays bring us joy and excitement at the thought of festive parties, family gatherings and delicious food, they also bring many driving dangers. 

You may have noticed that the sun has already set by the time most people leave work.  Between the decreasing daylight and numerous holiday party invitations, people drive more at night during the holiday season than any other time of year.  Yet, most people do not realize the dangers of night driving.  According to the National Safety Council, traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day.  Ninety percent of a driver’s ability depends on vision, which can be greatly impaired after dark.  Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are compromised during and after sundown.  In fact, twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive, because your eyes are constantly changing to adapt to the growing darkness. 

Another holiday driving danger is fatigue. During the holiday season, it is easy to wear yourself out shopping, decorating, and going to parties.  May people drive long distances at a time to visit family and friends.  The holiday rush can lead to exhaustion, which makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time.  College students driving home for the holidays may face a particular risk, especially if they’ve been sacrificing sleep for studying. 

Holiday party-goers should be extra careful driving home from those festive events.  While indulging in a cup of eggnog or two can be fun, it is important to remember that alcohol is the leading factor in fatal traffic accidents.  Alcohol also increases the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.  When you are tired, one drink can feel like four or five.  Driving home from a party can be especially dangerous if you combine alcohol with fatigue.  Watch your own alcohol consumption, don’t drive if you feel sleepy, and be alert for other drivers on the road who may be under the influence.

You can further minimize after-dark dangers by following special driving guidelines and properly preparing your car.  Turn on your headlights as soon as the sun begins to set.  This will not only improve your vision, but it will also make you more visible to others.  Reduce speed and increase your following distance at night.  No matter how good your vision is, you cannot see beyond your headlights, so maintain a speed that allows you to stop in that distance.  Clean your headlights, taillights and the inside and outside of windows at least once a week to maximize your ability to see clearly.  Keep flares, a flashlight and a blanket in your car, just in case you have a nighttime breakdown.

The holiday season is the most dangerous time of the year to be on the road.  Increased traffic, reduced visibility, exhaustion and alcohol consumption can turn holiday joy into tragedy.  However, taking these simple precautions and using good judgment can help you arrive safely at your destination.  Happy Holidays!