Why is it important to drive slower at night?

Driving slower at night is important primarily because the distance you can see ahead is significantly reduced. This decreased visibility can be attributed to the limited range of headlights, which makes it difficult to perceive the presence of pedestrians, animals, or obstacles in the roadway. At night, your ability to judge distances and react appropriately to potential hazards is compromised.

By driving at a slower speed, you allow yourself more time to respond to any unexpected situations that may arise within the range of your visibility. This is particularly critical when navigating around curves, intersections, or areas where visibility is even further obstructed.

While other factors, such as increased drowsiness or the behavior of other drivers, can also contribute to the risk of night driving, the primary concern that mandates a slower speed at night is the visibility issue. Slower speeds enhance safety by providing a margin of reaction time in the event of unseen dangers on the road.