One of the great pleasures of venturing out into the darkness of a Northern Minnesota night is that it is usually not difficult to see the stars. The lack of light pollution in this area of the country makes stargazing far easier than it is in most places. Yet, this lack of light pollution also makes it very difficult to drive safely, as anyone who has driven next to Lake Superior at night on a rural stretch can attest.
Visibility is the biggest concern after the sun goes down. Even with headlights on, your field of vision is significantly reduced when the sky fades to black. You may only be able to see 250 feet ahead with standard low beams and around 500 feet with high beams, even on a cloudless night. That can make it hard to spot hazards in time to react—especially on winding or wooded roads.
What can you do to stay as safe as possible?
You, like all drivers, should reduce your speed at night to allow more time to respond to deer, downed trees or unexpected obstacles. It is also important to keep your headlights clean and properly aimed. Dirt, snow, fog or ice buildup can limit brightness, and misaligned beams can cause glare or fail to light the road effectively. Make sure your windshield is clean, inside and out, to prevent glare from oncoming lights as well.
Drowsy driving is another major nighttime risk. Whether you are heading home from work, driving long distances or returning from an evening event, fatigue can set in quickly. Drowsy driving can impair reaction times and decision-making just like alcohol. If you feel sleepy, pull over and rest. Do not rely on loud music, open windows or caffeine as substitutes for sleep.
Similarly, you need to remain alert generally. Texting and driving, adjusting music settings and even visually consulting your GPS are always relatively dangerous activities. They are infinitely more dangerous at night in rural areas. A split second decision can literally mean the difference between life and death when you’re driving through blackness. Do NOT limit your ability to react effectively by allowing yourself to be intentionally distracted from the task of driving.
Night driving also increases your chances of encountering impaired drivers. Late hours often coincide with people leaving bars, parties or events. Drive defensively, watch for erratic movements, and give other drivers plenty of space. If a driver seems impaired, report them to law enforcement if it is safe to do so.
Night driving in Northern Minnesota demands extra caution. By taking proactive safety steps, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a crash and help to better ensure that you and your loved ones arrive at your destination safely, no matter how dark the road ahead.