As it gets darker earlier now, I thought it a good time to review some facts for better, safer night riding.

FACTS:
1) Depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are compromised after dark.
2) Perception and reaction times increase.
3) Your normally wide field of vision is narrowed to the field illuminated by your headlight.
4) Your ability to assess the speed and position of oncoming vehicles is reduced at night requiring an extra safety margin.
5) Most high-beam headlights (maintained properly) shine no more than 450 feet ahead. Low beam is about 150 feet.
6) You can get useful information from the front and rear lights of other vehicles.

Now for a few tips to make night riding a safer more enjoyable experience. If you are like me, I try always to be at a destination by nightfall, however that is not always possible and anything I can add to improve my safety makes an occasional night ride, a pleasure.

TIPS:
1) Make sure your headlight is clean; half of the total output can be absorbed by dirt, salt, etc.
2) Properly aligned and clean headlights are important for you to maximize the illuminated distance ahead, distance is your friend.
3) On unlit roads your headlight should be on high beam unless you have to drop it for other road users. Low beams should be used:
* snow, fog, and heavy rains
* oncoming traffic
* overtaking a vehicle
4) You should be traveling at a speed that would allow you to stop safely within the distance covered by your headlights.
5) Night Fatigue is dangerous! Night riding is tiring because it puts extra strain on you eyes. If you are having difficulty keeping your eyes open, you are a danger to yourself and others; find somewhere safe to stop and rest until you are alert enough to continue safely. Some signs of night fatigue are:
* difficulty focusing
* frequent blinking
* trouble remembering last few files driven
* missing exits or traffic signs
* repeated yawning
* riding over rumbles
* restless or irritable
Whether you enjoy night riding, or end up having to endure the end of a day with some twilight road gazing, please approach it safely!!

Special thanks to:
Ruben Torres, a 20 year veteran police officer, a crash specialist and a member of the motor unit for his tips and safety concerns. Ruben has a site dedicated to Better Motorcycling.