If you’re a delivery driver, there’s a good chance you’ve spent plenty of time on the road after dark. Night driving is part of the job, and while it can mean fewer cars and quieter streets, it also comes with its own set of headaches: less light, more tired drivers, and the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel.
Knowing how to handle night driving keeps you safe, keeps your deliveries on track, and makes those long shifts a whole lot smoother.
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Know the Risks of Night Driving
Night is undoubtedly riskier than driving during the day, for a number of reasons.
You can’t see as well. Simple as that. Everything is harder to spot, especially if you’re on unfamiliar roads.
There are more tired and drunk drivers out. After dark, there’s a higher chance someone on the road isn’t all there. According to the National Safety Council, traffic deaths are about 3 times more likely at night.
You might be tired, too. Long shifts and weird hours allow fatigue to creep in faster than you think.
Headlight glare is no joke. Bright lights from oncoming cars can mess with your vision and leave you squinting.
If you’re out there working on long routes or bouncing between neighbourhoods you don’t know well, the risks of night driving hit even harder. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.
Prep Before You Hit the Road
Before you even start the engine, do yourself a favour and get your setup right.
Check your lights. Headlights, taillights, and indicators. Make sure they’re clean and actually working. No one wants to be “that driver” with one headlight out.
Clean your windshield and mirrors. Smudges and streaks reflect more glare and make it harder to see. Give everything a quick wipe-down before you roll out.
Plan your route. Use your GPS, but also have a general idea of where you’re going. It’s easier to stay cool when you’re not scrambling to figure out your next turn.
Being prepared makes night driving way less stressful. A few extra minutes before your shift can save you a ton of hassle later on.
Use Your Lights the Right Way
Your lights are your best friend when driving at night, but only if you’re using them right.
Stick to low beams in the city. High beams in well-lit areas just annoy everyone else and don’t help you much.
Use high beams in the countryside. If there’s no one else around, go for it. Just remember to switch back when another car comes your way.
Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights. Instead, glance slightly to the right edge of your lane to avoid getting blinded.
Getting the hang of how and when to use your lights makes night driving a lot easier on your eyes and your nerves.
Stay Awake Without Consuming Tons of Coffee
Let’s talk about the biggest challenge of night driving: staying awake. Coffee can help, sure, but it’s not a miracle fix.
Get proper sleep before your shift. Sounds obvious, but a lot of people skip this. No nap can replace real rest.
Take breaks every 90 minutes or so. Even a 5-minute stretch or walk around the car can make a difference.
Know your limits. Ever zone out while driving and suddenly realize you missed a turn? That’s a red flag and it means it’s time for a break.
Keep your head clear and stay ahead of the fatigue.
Drive Defensively, Always
Driving defensively is your best bet to keep yourself and everyone else safe, whether you’re driving during the day or at night.
Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Especially the ones without lights or reflectors. They can pop out of nowhere.
Take it slower in dark or residential areas. You never know what’s around the corner.
Keep a good distance from the car ahead. This gives you more time to react if something goes sideways.
Don’t mess with your phone. Not even to check your next stop. Pull over if you have to.
Night driving is not the time to zone out. Staying sharp and ready will save you from a lot of close calls.
Look Out for Yourself Too
Delivering at night isn’t just about road safety, it’s about personal safety, too.
Park in well-lit spots whenever you can. This will make you less of a target and help you see what’s around.
Keep your doors locked and windows up when parked. Better safe than sorry.
Stay aware during drop-offs. Don’t get too comfortable, especially if the area feels off. Trust your gut.
Night driving adds an extra layer of risk for robberies, so it’s smart to stay alert not just behind the wheel but also when you’re out of the car.
Don’t Panic
Things can go wrong, no matter how prepared you are. Your GPS can flake out, roads can get closed, and sometimes you simply start running behind. Don’t let it rattle you.
Keep calm. Freaking out only makes things worse. Take a second, breathe, and strategize.
Be flexible. If your app sends you in circles, trust your instincts or pull over to check the map.
Running late? Let dispatch or the customer know. Rushing through night driving is a fast way to make a mistake.
A cool head goes a long way when the night doesn’t go as planned.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, night driving is part of the delivery life. It can be tricky, but with the right habits and a little awareness, you’ll be cruising confidently in no time.
If you want to learn more ways to be safe on the road, you can read our article about accident prevention here.