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Nighttime Driving Tips for Semi-Truck Drivers

Mar. 1 2022 Safety By Empire Truck Sales

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If you drive a semi-truck, odds are that you will need to be on the road after the sun goes down. Nighttime brings some extra safety threats, from drowsy drivers swerving into your lane to nocturnal wildlife darting onto the road in front of you.

While you can't prevent every possible risk, you can take steps to set yourself up for a safe drive. Keep reading for nighttime driving tips. If you want to shop for semi-trucks for sale, check out the selection at Empire Truck Sales. We have dealerships throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama.

Keep Your Windshield Clean

A semi-truck windshield can get covered with bug splatters, water spots, dust, and more. This debris build-up can eventually cause light to reflect in a different way and decrease your visibility. This becomes even more problematic during nighttime driving where there is already a reduction to visibility.

Be sure to regularly clean your semi-truck's windshield. Remember to clean the inside as well as the outside of the windshield.

Your windshield wipers help keep your windshield clean, so be sure to replace them once they get too old. Remember as well to refill the wiper fluid as it gets low.

Be Strategic With Your Gaze

Other vehicles on the road can have bright headlights that create an impressive glare. On less traveled roads, some motorists may even forget that they have their brights on. The bright headlights can reduce your visibility and even slow your reaction time.

As much as possible, try to avoid looking into the lane of oncoming traffic. Instead, look down and to the right in order to minimize the effects of headlight glare.

Reduce Distractions

Driving a semi-truck at night should take all of your focus. Try to eliminate the potential for any distractions.

Before you begin driving:

  • Get your radio station, playlist, or podcast all ready to go.
  • Adjust the air temperature now so you won't need to fiddle with it later.
  • Eat a snack to help reduce distractions from hunger.
  • Put your phone on mute or airplane mode.

Look Out for Drunk Drivers

A key threat during nighttime driving is drunk drivers. These safety hazards are most common between midnight and 2 AM as well as Friday and Saturday nights.

Signs of a potential drunk driver include speeding up and slowing down suddenly, weaving in and out of the lanes, and sudden movements. Try to put as much distance between your semi-truck and their vehicle as possible.

We hope you found this nighttime driving guide helpful! If you are in the market for a semi-truck, Empire Truck Sales carries a range of options. See our available semi-trucks online or at our dealerships. We serve those in Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi.