Traffic in the dark. Conditions of limited and insufficient visibility on the road

19.04.2019

Today at Russian Federation operate special rules traffic. At the same time, there is special set terms that denote various objects, as well as phenomena.

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One of these is "insufficient visibility" - it means the deterioration of visibility due to any natural or other circumstances.

Moreover, the term refers to a certain nature of problems with visibility. Clear boundaries are established for the range of the ability to distinguish certain objects.

In case of occurrence insufficient visibility it is necessary to adopt regulated special rules actions.

In certain cases, the SDA prescribes to completely stop the movement due to the increasing danger of a traffic accident.

Basic information

Often, drivers, for various reasons, have a question - what does the term insufficient visibility mean by itself?

It is important to know the meaning of this concept, as well as to take certain measures when appropriate conditions arise.

This is due to traffic safety rules on the road. Often even the visibility of the road is less than 100 m. serious accidents where people die.

It is important to remember how low visibility, which implies a stop, differs from similar weather conditions, but in which it is possible to continue driving.

There are many different nuances associated with such phenomena. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the following important questions in advance:

definitions;
warning signs.

Definitions

In the rules of the road, two different concepts are used at once, which denote insufficient visibility.

These include:

"limited visibility";
"lack of visibility".

Limited visibility	When in the direction of the driver's movement, visibility is limited by any terrain, vegetation or buildings, other objects, objects. It is understood that the lack of visibility is present due to the placement of any artificial objects. After overcoming which visibility will be fully restored. In fact, any object can act under the "limiter" of visibility
Insufficient visibility	According to the traffic rules officially adopted in the Russian Federation, this is the visibility of the roadway in the direction of travel of less than 300 m. The reason for this may be fog, rain, snowfall or twilight. In fact, any weather having a certain duration over time. Insufficient visibility may also occur due to smoke resulting from a fire.

There are certain actions that should be taken in the event of the above situations.

They are described in sufficient detail in . If possible, do not break them. Since this can lead to sad consequences.

Up to the death of the driver and other road users in an accident. It is important to define in advance what the term low visibility means.

According to the SDA, insufficient visibility implies precisely the restriction of visibility within 300 m from the driver.

At the same time, how many meters of visibility should be inaccessible to the driver in case limited visibility not indicated.

In addition to the above terms, it is also worth considering:

dark time days;
daytime running lights, DRL.

A range of 300 meters was chosen so that, subject to the speed limit, it would be possible to avoid an accident and other problems on the road.

Since this distance is sufficient for any driver to take preventive measures on road. Compliance with the speed limit will avoid the death of people, various other problems.

warning signs

In conditions of insufficient visibility, it is often difficult to distinguish any objects on the road that carry with their presence a potential danger to the driver and his passenger.

That is why there are a number of special warning signs in the traffic rules.

They are installed at a certain distance from potentially dangerous objects, allowing you to know in advance about their presence and take appropriate measures. For example, slow down or even stop.

The list of such signs is quite extensive. The most important are the following:

№1.1	Denoted railroad crossing with barrier
№1.3.1	Single track railway
№1.3.2	Crossing two or more railroad tracks
№1.4.1	This sign indicates that exactly 150 meters from it is the location of the railway track
№1.4.2	Mounted 100 m from the installed railway track
№1.4.3	This warning sign is mounted 50 m from the railway track
№1.5	Indicates that after 50-100 m there will be an intersection of the road with tram tracks
№1.6	After some distance there is an equal intersection
№1.11.1	Warning sign about the presence of a dangerous turn to the right - if in the village - 50-100 m; if outside the settlement - 150-300 m
№1.11.2	Sign warning of a dangerous left turn in the settlement - 50-100 m; outside the territory of the settlement - 150-300 m
№1.12.1	The road turns right after 150-300 m

A complete list of signs that indicate any potential dangerous objects, is fairly extensive.

That is why, if possible, you need to familiarize yourself with them all. Thus, it will be possible to avoid a large number of various problems on the road, accidents.

Often, it is inattention, ignorance of the signs on the road that leads to the death of people, causing serious harm to health. It is worth understanding what each sign means.

Driving in low visibility conditions

Driving in conditions of insufficient visibility implies the adoption by the driver of certain measures in order to avoid various emergency situations.

There are certain rules for driving at different times of the day, as well as in different weather conditions.

Compliance with them is a guarantee of the safety of the driver, passengers, and other road users. The main questions to be considered are:

traffic rules;
driving under certain conditions;
what is the difference between limited and insufficient.

traffic rules

According to these points, it will be necessary to adhere to the following rules:

It is especially important, which is why it is imperative to follow all the instructions.

Driving under certain conditions

Driving a car in non-standard short-term weather conditions has some difficulties. That is why, again, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules in each individual case.

In fog

When driving a vehicle during fog, it is imperative to follow certain rules that relate to safety.

These primarily include:

Be sure to turn on the headlights	If there are any, turn on the fog lights.
Don't use high beam	Not only can this dazzle other drivers, but it will also reduce visibility due to reflections from small moisture particles.
It is important to adhere to one speed of movement, to avoid exceeding high-speed traffic	This will allow you to take appropriate actions in time in case of any obstacles.
Overtaking is not allowed	In low visibility mode

Following these simple rules you can avoid an accident on the road with insufficient visibility.

At night time

Driving at night, in addition to observing the obvious rules, implies many other nuances.

These include:

In rainy weather

In rainy weather, you need to be especially careful with the speed limit. Since, due to the moisture content of the road, the adhesion between it and the wheels is significantly reduced.

Video: winter driving mistakes

Therefore, the likelihood of skidding is high. It also increases the braking distance by an order of magnitude. This point must also be taken into account.

In the bright sun

The bright sun is often cause of the accident. Since it can simply blind the driver. This can be avoided by using:

special glasses;
zoning the upper part of the windshield;
protective visors.

What is the difference between limited and insufficient

Insufficient visibility is usually the result of weather, natural phenomena.

At the same time, limited arises for various other reasons. For example, due to the placement of any objects, the very relief of the road.

FAQ

There are a number of issues that arise specifically in the case of movement with insufficiently limited visibility.

Insufficient visibility is a condition caused by external factors and the location of the car, in which the driver cannot distinguish the observed object at a distance of less than three hundred meters.

The following natural phenomena can lead to a decrease in the specified distance:

fog;
rain;
snowfall;
blizzard;
twilight;
smoke;
dust;
splashes of water and dirt;
blinding sun.

The permissible distance, determined by the value of 300 meters, was taken on the basis of the calculation of the braking distance at a permitted speed of 90 km / h. Taking into account the adhesion coefficient equal to 0.35 for a wet roadway.

Driving in low visibility conditions

Driving in poor visibility can be summarized in four main categories:

During rain;
At fog;
At blinded by the sun;
Under influenced by other weather events.

During the rain

An important feature when driving in rainy weather- Decreased adhesion of tires to the road surface. On a wet surface, the coefficient of adhesion drops by one and a half to two times, the controllability of the car worsens, and braking distances increases.

Particular attention should be paid to hazards such as:

asphalt concrete pavement hidden under fallen tree leaves or dirt;
the period immediately after the start and after the end rain.

When driving at high speed wet road, a water wedge may form between the road surface and the wheels of the car, or as it is also called " hydroplaning effect.

Unlike low speed driving, where water between the road surface and the vehicle tire is forced into the tread pattern, high speed it doesn't happen.

A sign of the onset of hydroplaning can be sudden ease of driving. To combat the phenomenon, it is necessary to apply engine braking.

In fog

In the case where visibility is limited by fog, the driver requires much more attention and experience than when driving in rainy weather. Often in accidents caused by fog, the number damaged cars measured in dozens, many people get injured.

In the event of thick fog, stop driving immediately and wait for better weather conditions.

For this weather phenomenon may have the following effects on the driver:

much reduce visibility distance;
forms an optical illusion;
disturbs orientation in space;
distorted perception of speed and distance to objects;
strong stress has an effect on the mind of the driver.

If you continue driving, you must:

slow down so that its value does not exceed half of the visible distance in meters;
use low beam along with fog lights;
to increase the distance visible in front of the car periodically bring your eyes closer to the windshield.
open a window driver's door listen to the noise emitted by vehicles.

Under no circumstances should you:

approach the one ahead auto;
carry out car parking within the road;
overtake or advance.

When blinded by the sun

Direct sunlight directed into the eyes reduces the visibility of the driver, reduces his concentration and leads to overwork. This is especially true in the morning and evening period, the sun is directly above the horizon and the sun's rays fall parallel to the earth.

In case when pavement, alternating, passes through sunny and shaded areas, the driver experiences a sharp deterioration in visibility. In such cases, the driver will require increased attention.

With sunlight directed towards back car, the colors of traffic signals become difficult to distinguish, and rear lights vehicles in front. With side sunlight, areas with a low contrast shadow are formed on the roadway.

The optimal solution would be using a sun visor to protect from direct sunlight.

Influenced by other weather events

When the first snow falls, the road surface is especially dangerous. Snow quickly rolls and forms an ice cover or roll, which, together with significantly reduced visibility, leads to an increase in the number of accidents.

Visibility on the road is essential.

Up to ninety percent of the information necessary for the safe continuation of the movement, the driver receives through vision. The device of human eyes requires time to adapt to the dark. However, at night vision is largely dulled.

So, in the dark, or at dusk, the driver distinguishes the situation on the road much worse. The perception of colors is distorted. Green appears lighter than red, which in turn appears black. The reaction rate decreases several times. On average, for a time of 0.6 seconds or more.

If for night traffic you can use high beam headlights, then at dusk it already poorly illuminates the road. Must be enabled fog lights, lower the engine speed and increase attention.

Speed in low visibility

When driving in sunny weather on a dry road surface, i.e. in ideal conditions, drivers can drive at the speed allowed by the traffic rules in relation to the road section.

However, in slippery road conditions or poor visibility, it is necessary to reduce the speed to a safe value for specific conditions.

At difficult conditions movement, the choice of speed is subjective. How fast to travel dangerous area The road is determined by the driver, guided by his experience and feelings.

The universal rule still applies:

safe speed is the speed at which the stopping distance will have a distance less than visibility.

traffic rules poor visibility

Insufficient visibility is understood as the deterioration of visibility caused by the temporary state of natural conditions (environment).

Reducing visibility due to weather conditions is the most dangerous, because in most cases it is not possible to convey the necessary warning with the help of road signs.

The visibility range defined by the rules is considered the maximum distance at which it is possible to distinguish a pedestrian against the background of the road surface.

A distance of 300 meters is taken from the calculation of the possibility of stopping cars when approaching at a maximum allowable speed of 90 km / h, subject to the value of the coefficient of adhesion characteristic of a wet road surface.

The driver, being in conditions of insufficient visibility, must be guided by paragraphs 19.1 - 19.8 of the traffic rules. An error in determining insufficient visibility often leads to the inability to quickly make the right decision in a complex environment. traffic situation.

What is the difference between low visibility and limited visibility?

At first glance, it is not easy to distinguish between insufficient and limited visibility. But the rules of the road contain exhaustive definitions of these terms, as follows:

Visibility limited by permanent or temporary traffic obstructions.

Permanent ones include:

mountains;
hills;
the buildings;
winding turns.

For temporary:

stopped vehicles;
repair work;
other obstacles.

Conditions of insufficient visibility are temporary natural phenomena, such as:

rain;
snow;
fog;
twilight time.

At the same time, the intensity of these phenomena should limit the visibility of the road at a distance of less than 300 m. Insufficient visibility is the result of limited lighting caused by natural phenomena, and limited is the result of a physical restriction of the view.

Where is visibility needed and what should it be?

It would seem that, good visibility required in all cases, but in relation to different conditions, the requirements will vary significantly.

Conventionally, situations can be divided into such points as:

moving in the flow without maneuvers. The speed or distance must comply with the conditions of safe movement, for the timely adoption of measures to avoid accidents;
when performing an overtaking manoeuvre. It is necessary to correctly estimate the distance both to cars moving towards, and for those moving behind in the direction of travel;
visibility to exit from adjacent. You will need to estimate the distance to passing vehicles.
visibility when turning left. It will be necessary to estimate the distance to cars approaching from the left, and after crossing the lane, make the same estimate on the right side.

To perform a safe maneuver, the estimated time must be multiplied by the maximum possible speed movement. The probability of a traffic accident will be the lower, the more stock remains in the calculation.

What to do if visibility is not enough?

When buying a new car, you need to make sure that the fog lights in the selected configuration are available. Recently, most foreign cars have them as standard.

In addition to ease of use during poor visibility, there will be the ability to use fog lights instead of daytime running lights. They may consist of sets of LEDs located at the headlights.

Possibly additionally install on the car daytime running lights in the form of rings, the so-called angel eyes.

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How to increase visibility?

When faced with deteriorating weather conditions, there are several ways to improve visibility:

reduce the speed so that its value corresponds to the traffic conditions that have arisen. Its value should be less than half of the distance for which the road is viewed;
turn on additional lighting. Fog lights, low beam or high beam. IN without fail pre-equip the car with fog lights in case of their absence;
improve driving awareness. Do not fix your eyes on one point, which increases fatigue. Periodically bring your eyes closer to the windshield. If necessary, it is allowed to move by sticking your head out the window of the driver's door.

What can interfere with visibility?

Visibility can be obstructed by permanent or temporary obstacles, as well as changing weather conditions.

Road visibility is determined by parameters such as:

weather(rain, snowfall, fog);
Night time(dawn, sunset, dusk);
the physical characteristics of the road(radii of horizontal and vertical curves);
intensity of building and green spaces.

It is worth remembering that poor visibility is the result of reduced light levels and a lack of light in general.

Visibility, corresponding to the existing road conditions, takes a leading position in respect of road safety. The more limited it becomes, the more attention and caution the driver must exercise. It is also worth noting that the choice of driving style is highly dependent on visibility while driving.

The main problem of driving at night is reduced visibility. In this regard, the most important, and at the same time, the simplest thing that can and should be done is to reduce the speed of movement.

How fast can you safely drive a car at night?

Let's take for example the movement in the evening in the city with dipped headlights. Low beam headlights illuminate the area about 30 ~ 50 meters in front of the car (depending on load, settings, etc.) - not at all as far as we would like, because, as we have already discussed, the driver needs to look ahead 100 ~ 150 meters. It turns out that if suddenly there is some darkened, poorly distinguishable obstacle on the road, then the driver will be able to notice it only in the headlights of his car, that is, for those same 30~50 meters. If you remember from previous chapters, stopping way the average driver at a speed of 60 km/h is 35~40 meters. Thus, if the dipped beam illuminates only 30 meters in front of the car, then the maximum allowable speed in this case, it cannot exceed 60 km / h in any way, because otherwise the driver simply will not have time to stop in time - when an obstacle appears in the field of view, it will be too late. Yes, there are drivers who at the right time will illuminate somewhere with high beam headlights, or they good speed reactions and stuff like that. But we are now talking about novice drivers who do not have any special skills, superhuman reactions and the ability to instantly evaluate traffic situation. Moreover, such drivers do not have experience of developing situations in conditions real life. As I said in previous chapters, all situations on the road are repeated, but in order to see this, you need to accumulate some experience.

Thus, the main criterion for traffic safety in the dark is sufficient speed, which will allow you to stop the car or, at least, radically change the direction of movement after an obstacle suddenly appears in the driver’s field of vision.

By the way...
IN major cities almost all streets are well lit at dusk, so driving in the evening is no different from driving during the day. However, in many settlements at nightfall, the roads are illuminated only by the light from the windows of nearby houses. Considering that our compatriots prefer to dress in dark colors, it is rather problematic to notice a pedestrian in the dark time of the day. In this regard, it will not be superfluous at all if reflective stripes are present on a person’s clothes (Fig. 5.1), since this will significantly increase the safety of the pedestrian himself and make life easier for drivers. In many European countries Wearing clothing with reflectors at night is mandatory and is enshrined in relevant legislation.

Figure 5.1 It would not be superfluous if reflective stripes were present on the clothes of a pedestrian, since this would significantly increase the safety of the pedestrian himself and make life easier for drivers.

pay special attention
The Rules of the Road state that the use of high-beam headlights is allowed both in a built-up area and outside it, but at the same time, the safety of both oncoming vehicles and vehicles moving in passing direction. In this regard, the minimum distance at which it is necessary to switch from high beam to low beam headlights is also stipulated - at least 250 meters to the oncoming vehicle. In addition, the driver is obliged to switch to the dipped beam at the first request of other road users, since he, without realizing it, can dazzle other drivers (Fig. 5.2). In particular, you should not use high beam headlights if you are driving along the road behind someone - the light of your headlights, reflected in the rear-view mirrors of a car driving in front of you, can blind its driver. In addition to the fact that the use of lighting devices is clearly stipulated in the rules of the road, you need to understand that if you blind someone, then this can directly affect your own safety, especially if you are driving on a road without a dividing flower bed.

Figure 5.2 The minimum distance at which it is necessary to switch from high beam to low beam is at least 250 meters to an oncoming vehicle. In addition, the driver is obliged to switch to the dipped beam at the first request of other road users, since he, without realizing it, can dazzle other drivers.

When you switch from high beam to low beam while driving on the road, it is naturally desirable that oncoming traffic also switch to low beam. If this does not happen (and it does), you need to squint and thus reduce the amount of light entering the eyes. It is not at all superfluous to learn to look past the headlights - this is the same as looking against the sun, when we look not at the sun, but at some object. Direct your gaze into the distance in front of you, ignoring the bright dot. At the same time, there is interesting feature- headlights of an oncoming car will illuminate the roadside from your side, which means that if you squint a little to the right, you can control the direction of your car.

As soon as the oncoming car passed by, you need to open your eyes wider, due to which you can to some extent compensate for the change in illumination that has occurred.

If you are still blinded, act as written in the rules of the road - stop without changing lanes and turn on the emergency light signaling. It is strictly forbidden to steer in such conditions, because, as a rule, people move out to the wrong place at all. It is allowed to continue moving only after the effects of blindness have passed and vision has been sufficiently restored (Fig. 5.3).

Figure 5.3 If you are blinded, stop without changing lanes and turn on your hazard warning lights. It will be possible to continue the movement only after the consequences of blinding pass and vision is sufficiently restored.

If at night you are catching up with the car in front, but you are not going to overtake it, it would be nice if the boundary line of your lighting does not “run into” front car- a spot of light should illuminate the road in front of your car, but should not illuminate next car.

If you decide to overtake the car in front, just turn on the left direction indicators and, after adding gas, begin the maneuver. Suppose that the car in front is driving with high beam headlights, and you are moving behind it, of course, with low beam (Fig. 5.4a). In this case, it is very easy to overtake the car in front, because it illuminates the road well, allowing you to assess the situation. As soon as you catch up with the overtaken car, it would be better if he switched to the low beam, and you turned on the high beam and continued overtaking (Fig. 5.4b).

That is, you just need to switch roles: first he was in front and you used his high beam, and now you are in front and he uses your high beam (Fig. 5.4c). If you intend to move on at high speed - no problem, press the gas pedal to yourself, and when you are far enough away, he will simply turn on the high beam headlights again.

Figure 5.4 If you are catching up with a car in front at night, the spot of light should illuminate the road in front of your car, but should not illuminate the next car. If you still decide to overtake him, turn on the left direction indicators and start the maneuver. Let's say the car in front is driving with high beam headlights, and you are moving behind it with low beam. In this case, it is very easy to overtake the car in front, because it illuminates the road well, allowing you to assess the situation. as soon as you catch up with the overtaken car, it would be better if he switched to the low beam, and you turned on the high beam and continued overtaking.

Advice
Sometimes when driving at night on a road without additional lighting, the headlights can be blocked by various surface kinks, as a result of which it is not entirely clear, at least on an unfamiliar road, where it goes next. In this case, either trees, or poles, or houses along the road can serve as a good clue - if after the bend a forest appears in front of you, and the clearing goes to the side, then, of course, the road also goes there (Fig. 5.5). In other words, you need to look not only at the asphalt, but also at a lot of other clues that help determine the direction of movement. In the city, very good such clues, among other things, can be trolleybus wires above the road - they always shine and are clearly visible.

Figure 5.5 Sometimes when driving at night it is not entirely clear, at least on an unfamiliar road, where she is going next. In this case, either trees, or poles, or houses along the road can serve as a good clue - if after the bend a forest appears in front of you, and the clearing goes to the side, then, of course, the road also goes there.

pay special attention
It would be useful to remind you of the need to monitor the health of the car's lighting devices and promptly replace burnt out lamps. The rules of the road prohibit the operation of the vehicle if the left headlight lamp is not lit in the low beam mode at night. Despite this, on night road it is still possible to meet "one-eyed Joe" - a car with one headlight on, which from a distance is easily mistaken for a motorcycle. In this regard, having noticed a single spot of light ahead, it is better to play it safe and take a little to the right. If it suddenly turns out that the headlight does not work on your car, and it is not possible to replace the lamp on the spot, turn on the fog lights and hazard warning lights and thus proceed to the place of parking or repair, as required by all the same traffic rules.
Combine harvesters and other agricultural equipment, which are driven on roads at night, pose an even greater danger. common use due to less traffic. With burning lights in the dark, the combine looks more like a low-flying helicopter (Fig. 5.6) than a ground vehicle, and protruding into different sides harvester working parts pose a serious threat to road users. Be aware of the need to slow down at night and if something that is happening on the road is not entirely clear to you, it is better to stop completely, then any night trip will be safe.

Figure 5.6 Harvesters and other agricultural machinery are of great danger, which are driven on public roads at night due to the lower traffic intensity. With its lights burning in the dark, the combine looks more like a low-flying helicopter, and the working parts of the combine protruding in different directions pose a serious threat to road users. If something on the road is not clear to you, it is better to stop completely.

1. Movement at night

night car trip safety

When driving, be sure to take into account the fact that at night a person sees worse than during the day - a fact that has scientific confirmation. Moreover, with age, night vision becomes worse, so you should not drive often at night for people of advanced age.

If you are traveling overnight, you must whole line preparatory actions. The first thing to do is to check the condition of the car's lighting fixtures: are the parking lights on, are the direction indicators working, dipped and main beam headlights, brake lights, lights reversing, fog lights. The backlight of the instrument panel must be in good working order - otherwise you will not be able to control the speed of movement, as well as monitor the presence of fuel in the tank and the temperature of the coolant.

Be sure to check that the windshield wipers are working properly, the brushes are not worn out, and there is a enough liquids. Also check the condition of the side mirrors, if necessary, clean them of dust and dirt. Remember: when driving at night, many nuances that are invisible during the day take on special meaning. For example, "wipers" do not clean well Windshield- at night, because of this, visibility can deteriorate greatly (up to the point that you will not be able to drive normally). The same applies to rear-view mirrors: during the day it is still possible (but strongly discouraged) to drive with dirty mirrors, but at night they can be completely useless in this state.

If you haven't had to drive at night yet, be sure to study the location of the toggle switches and buttons designed to turn lights on and off - otherwise you will have to look for them on the go, distracting from driving. This is especially inconvenient in cases where you need to turn on or off one or another device as quickly as possible (the most typical example is the need to switch high beam dipped headlights when oncoming vehicles appear).

You can check the operation of the rear lighting devices by inviting an assistant who will stand behind the car while you turn on everything in turn lighting fixtures. If there is no assistant - put your car with the hood against any wall - you can easily determine by the reflections on it whether the rear lighting or one of them is out of order.

About 90% of all actions that a driver performs while driving a car and all decisions he makes are based on what he sees. Consequently, the reliability of driving is much reduced in the dark: firstly, at night a person sees worse than during the day, and secondly, at night the driver's field of view is limited only to the area illuminated by the headlights of the car. That is why at night motorists commit more bugs, the bulk of which is associated with an incorrect estimate of the distance to the object, the wrong choice of speed and the determination of the speed of other vehicles.

At night, on an unlit road, the visibility zone is limited by headlights

At night, the driver has less time to make a decision, to perform a particular maneuver, as well as to correct a mistake. Ultimately, all this leads to the fact that the reaction time to changes in traffic conditions increases significantly.

The first thing the driver should do to improve visibility at night is to reduce the speed of movement down to the minimum. In any case, the same road should be driven much more slowly at night than during the day. The speed mode should be chosen based on the fact that, if necessary, it would be possible to quickly stop the vehicle within its visibility. In other words, when driving at night, the stopping distance of the vehicle should not exceed the distance that is illuminated by the headlights.

Do not drive faster than your visibility allows under current road conditions. Keep in mind that at night, a person’s vision can present him with various unpleasant “surprises”: the most typical example is objects that suddenly appear from the darkness, which in daytime perfectly visible from afar. In such situations, the driver needs twice as much time to detect such objects as during the day.

Many motorists neglect glasses prescribed by a doctor. This is completely unacceptable even in the daytime, and even more so in the dark. Ultimately, your neglect can lead to the fact that you may not notice an obstacle on the road in time and not have time to respond to its appearance, and this will lead to an accident. It’s good if this obstacle turns out to be a stone on the road, a pit or some kind of foreign object - much worse if such neglect causes a collision with a person (a tragic outcome is also possible). Remember: if you have minor defect vision, wearing them while driving is a must. If you don’t like glasses so much, you don’t even have to take them out of the car, but while driving, they should be your indispensable “ammunition”.

When driving on a night road, do not forget that there may be unlit obstacles and objects on it, as well as in its immediate vicinity. In particular, this may be an unlit vehicle. For this reason, when driving at night, try to ensure traffic safety. When it seems that there is some kind of obstacle ahead, immediately reduce the speed of movement until it comes to a complete stop: even if it only seemed to you, it is better to play it safe.

The most serious danger when driving at night is associated with pedestrians. If during the day you can easily notice a person who is standing by the side of the road and wants to cross the road (even if wrong place- you will have time to react), then at night you will hardly notice it. A pedestrian standing at the curb may well be out of your line of sight, so he will appear unexpectedly on the roadway. Particular vigilance should be shown in relation to children: because of their small stature, you discover them later than an adult. In addition, the actions of children are particularly unpredictable and at the same time fast. special attention elderly pedestrians are also worthy: they often do not look at the road at all and cross carriageway where they please. In addition, they are distinguished by a slow reaction, as well as an erroneous assessment of the traffic situation. However, the worst thing is drunken pedestrians: they are able to “throw out” such “tricks” on the road that one wonders how a person is capable of this?

If you see that in the immediate vicinity of the roadway there are representatives of these "dangerous" categories of pedestrians, prepare in advance for the worst case scenario. Reduce the speed of movement, "blink" the headlights, switching the dipped and main beam headlights, if necessary, apply sound signal, plan in advance the trajectory of a possible change in direction of movement, and also be prepared to brake urgently.

When driving at night, pay close attention to the vehicle in front of you so as not to miss the moment of its possible braking. Remember: in the dark, the only sign by which you can determine the beginning of its braking is the lit brake lights.

If you feel tired, stop and rest.

When you have a long night trip, it is best to take a partner with you who has driver license. This will allow you to change places with him and take turns resting.

Drivers of vehicles should turn on their parking lights in advance to compensate for poor visibility at night. Remember - in the dark you need to drive at a lower speed than during the day. First, so you get the opportunity to get in this situation best review, secondly, there will be more time to follow the road, detect obstacles and react in case of an unexpected change in traffic conditions. If a critical situation happens, then you will have more chances to get out of it with the least losses.

Before performing any maneuver, turn on the appropriate direction indicator in advance: this rule is many times more relevant at night. Due to limited visibility, it is necessary to notify other road users of any, even little change the trajectory of your vehicle. At the same time, please note that the drivers of other vehicles must have enough time to respond appropriately to your maneuver.

"Performing a right turn" (at night)

At night, keep an increased distance between your car and the vehicle ahead.

"Keeping your distance when driving at night"

As far as possible, try to avoid overtaking, and if this is not possible, exercise extra caution.

Before the trip, think over and prepare the route. If you “rush” along the night road, looking for the right turn, you will noticeably complicate the traffic situation and create unnecessary problems not only for yourself, but also for other road users.

The location of the car on the road "(during the dark)

Don't let yourself relax. There are fewer vehicles on the roads at night than during the daytime, which causes many drivers to be completely inappropriately complacent and unjustifiably relaxed. Despite the fact that there are fewer vehicles on the road at night, there are much more dangers when driving than during the day.

Always keep an eye on the speedometer: the intuition of any driver is not enough to adequately assess the speed of his car.

Of exceptional importance when driving at night on a suburban highway is the choice of the optimal speed mode. Remember: if traffic rules allow cars moving outside settlements at a speed of 90 km / h - this does not mean that you need to drive at this speed along a country road at night. Perhaps, in your case, 60-70 km / h will be enough. Choosing speed mode when driving at night outside the city, consider the following factors.

1. The number of lanes for traffic in each direction, available on a given road. If the road has only one lane in each direction, it is obvious that to go from high speed it would be too dangerous. When the road is two- or even three-lane, the speed can be increased (of course, within reasonable limits).
2. Type and condition of the road surface. Obviously, when driving on an asphalt road, you can develop a higher speed than on dirt road. If there are pits, potholes and potholes on the road, it is dangerous to drive at high speed: the car can end up in a ditch or into oncoming traffic, and this the right way quickly disable parts and suspension assemblies.
3. Your degree of familiarity with the road you are on. It's one thing when you drive along a well-known road where you know every bump, every turn and every road sign, and quite another - if the track is unfamiliar, and you are intensely peering ahead.
4. The technical condition of your car. If you have, for example, wheel tires in not very good condition, shock absorbers are unreliable, or the camber and toe-in are not adjusted, etc. - you should not drive at high speed at night. It may happen that due to poor visibility you notice an obstacle late and technical condition your vehicle will not prevent an accident.
5. Current weather conditions. If it is raining or snowing outside, the road surface is wet and slippery, visibility is poor, you need to drive minimum speed. It happens that in the headlights of snowfall or heavy rain appears as a solid wall, limiting visibility in front of the car by literally two or three meters (and sometimes even less). When in such a situation there is some kind of obstacle in front of the car, then when driving at a speed of more than 10 km / h, you simply do not have enough time to respond in a timely manner and prevent an accident.
6. Current situation on the road. It is one thing when you are alone on the track, and quite another if there is traffic on the road. a large number of both passing and oncoming vehicles.

In the absence of oncoming vehicles, turn on the high beam headlights - this will significantly improve visibility. As soon as an oncoming vehicle appears, immediately switch to low beam headlights so as not to dazzle the driver. At the same time, it is recommended to slow down, because even the dipped headlights of an oncoming vehicle will noticeably worsen visibility (in addition, you will also switch to dipped headlights, and this will also negatively affect your line of sight).

If the driver of an oncoming car, when approaching you, did not switch to dipped headlights, “blink” him. But in no case do not turn on the high beam "in retaliation" - this is fraught with the most backfire. As a result of unexpected blinding, the driver of an oncoming vehicle may accidentally enter your lane of oncoming traffic - you will provoke a head-on collision.

Therefore, in similar situation(when an oncoming vehicle is driving with high beam headlights) the first thing to do is to slow down and, if necessary, stop completely. It is also recommended that you turn on your hazard warning lights (before you stop) to warn other road users of possible danger. If you decide that you will not stop - direct the car closer to the curb and continue to move at low speed with low beam headlights.

In no case do not look at the headlights of an oncoming vehicle - this is the shortest way to dazzle. Direct your gaze to the right, but in such a way as to control the situation on the road, and while driving, be guided by the right edge of the carriageway. Drive at a slower speed until visibility is fully restored.

Sometimes there are situations when the driver is blinded not by an oncoming car, but by a passing car that moves behind (this happens through a rear-view mirror located in the passenger compartment). IN this case try as far as possible not to look into this mirror, and even better - temporarily move it to another position, turning away from you. It is for this reason that you should never forget to switch to low beam headlights when approaching another vehicle from behind. Another way to get rid of rear glare is to allow the vehicle behind you to overtake your vehicle.

There are times when, when driving at night, the car's lights suddenly fail. Needless to say, how dangerous this is: after all, your car in such a situation becomes completely invisible to other road users, and if drivers of other vehicles can still somehow notice your car in the light of their headlights, then a pedestrian may well step right under the wheels .

Note

Most often, lighting devices fail due to a blown fuse - this is one of the simplest breakdowns that can be easily fixed on your own. Therefore, always keep a spare set of fuses in the glove compartment.

Regardless of the lighting of the road, as well as in the tunnels on a moving vehicle, the following lighting devices must be turned on:

On all motor vehicles - headlamps or dipped beam; on bicycles - headlamps or lanterns; on horse-drawn carts- lights (if any);
On trailers and towed motor vehicles - clearance lights.

What external lighting devices can you use when driving at night on unlit sections of roads?

Answer. When driving at night on unlit sections of roads, you must use, depending on road conditions, speed and the presence of oncoming and passing vehicles in front, dipped or main beam headlights.

What external lighting devices should you use when driving at night on illuminated sections of roads in a settlement?

Answer. In built-up areas, the Rules require you to use only dipped-beam headlights when driving at night on illuminated sections of roads. Movement with parking lights prohibited, as they do not identify your vehicle well enough for other road users. High beam headlights, given its dazzling effect on other drivers, are also prohibited.

What external lighting devices should be included in a tunnel with artificial lighting?

Answer. In a tunnel with artificial lighting, depending on the presence of oncoming or passing vehicles, dipped or main beam headlights should be turned on. Driving only with position or daytime running lights is prohibited, as they do not provide traffic safety in the event of a sudden shutdown of lighting.

What external lighting devices should be turned on at night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of road lighting, as well as in tunnels on towed motor vehicles?

1.		Daytime Running Lights.
2.		Parking lights.
3.		Rear fog lights.

Answer. On towed mechanical vehicles and on trailers at night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the illumination of the road, as well as in tunnels on a moving vehicle, the marker lights must be switched on.

Is it sufficient during daylight hours to turn on daytime running lights to identify a vehicle when driving in fog, when the visibility of the road is less than 300 m?

1.		Enough.
2.		Not enough.

Answer. Brightness of LEDs used in daytime running lights, is considered sufficient to designate the vehicle instead of dipped headlights when driving during daylight hours. However, when driving in fog and other conditions of insufficient visibility, the vehicle must have high or low beam headlights on.