رانندگی در شب | Why Night Driving Is More Dangerous

Statistics consistently show that road accidents are disproportionately higher during night hours relative to traffic volumes. Reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and the increased likelihood of encountering impaired drivers all contribute to this risk. Whether you are driving on Tehran's inner-city roads or long intercity highways, understanding how to drive safely at night is critical.

دید کمتر، خطر بیشتر | Reduced Visibility — The Core Challenge

Human eyes take time to adjust to darkness and are less effective at judging speed and distance at night. Your headlights typically illuminate the road for only 60–100 metres ahead, meaning you have less reaction time at high speeds.

  • Reduce your speed at night — your stopping distance should always be within the range your headlights illuminate.
  • Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic or vehicle ahead of you.
  • Switch to low beams as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle — high beams can temporarily blind oncoming drivers.
  • Keep headlights clean — dirty or cloudy headlight lenses can reduce light output dramatically.

خستگی رانندگی | Managing Driver Fatigue

Drowsiness is one of the most underestimated dangers on the road. Signs that you are too tired to drive safely include:

  • Repeated yawning or heavy eyelids
  • Drifting between lanes or over road markings
  • Difficulty remembering the last few kilometres you drove
  • Slower reaction time and poor judgement

If you notice these signs, pull over safely and rest. There is no destination worth your life. On long journeys, plan a stop every two hours, even if just for 15–20 minutes.

آمادگی خودرو برای شب | Prepare Your Vehicle for Night Driving

  1. Check all lights before setting out — headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and indicators.
  2. Clean your windscreen inside and out — interior film on the glass scatters oncoming headlight glare badly.
  3. Adjust your mirrors to minimise glare from vehicles behind you. Many rear-view mirrors have a night/anti-glare setting.
  4. Keep your dashboard lighting dim enough to not interfere with your night vision.

جاده‌های بین‌شهری در شب | Night Driving on Intercity Roads

Iran's intercity highways, while well-maintained in many areas, carry additional night-time risks including animals crossing the road, unlit trucks parked on the shoulder, and sections without road markings. Key tips:

  • Be alert for livestock and wildlife, particularly on roads near rural areas.
  • Give parked lorries and trucks a wide berth — their rear lights may be dim or non-functional.
  • Use the road edge markings and cats' eyes as guidance in areas with poor lighting.
  • If possible, avoid driving between midnight and 5 a.m. — this window carries the highest fatigue and incident risk.

در صورت اضطرار در شب | Breakdowns at Night

A night-time breakdown demands extra caution. If your vehicle stops at night, switch on your hazard lights immediately, place reflective triangles well behind the vehicle, and wear a high-visibility vest if you have one. Stay well away from the traffic lane and call for assistance promptly. Being visible to other drivers is your top priority.