SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-night-driving-speed

Why should you drive slower at night, even on a clear road?

You cannot see as far ahead.

  1. Roads are busier at night
  2. Your brakes work worse in the dark
  3. You cannot see as far ahead ✔

Why: Headlights light only about 350 feet ahead. Drive slowly enough that you can stop within the distance your headlights light up.

Huh, didn't know that: Per mile driven, teen drivers have a fatal crash rate at night about 3 times that of adults 30 to 59.

The dad joke
Why do cars slow down at night? The road gets harder to see when the sun goes to bed!
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References

Answer: You cannot see as far ahead. Headlights light only about 350 feet ahead. Drive slowly enough that you can stop within the distance your headlights light up.

  1. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-10-special-driving-conditions
    Your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. California Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/safe-driving
    Make sure you can stop in the distance lit by your headlights.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  3. CDC: Risk Factors for Teen Drivers www.cdc.gov/teen-drivers/risk-factors/index.html
    is about 3 times as high as that of adult drivers
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingWhen must you have your headlights on?Cars & DrivingWhen must you switch from high beams to low beams for an oncoming car?Cars & DrivingAt night, which person walking near the road is hardest for a driver to see?

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