What is an important factor to consider when driving at night?

When driving at night, decreased visibility is a critical factor to consider. At night, visibility is significantly less than during the day due to the absence of natural light, which hinders your ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, and other vehicles clearly. As a result, this reduced visibility often necessitates a greater time to react to hazards. Consequently, the stopping distance may increase because it may take longer for a driver to recognize a potential hazard and apply the brakes appropriately.

While factors like decreased traffic volume can occur at night, they do not directly impact the fundamental driving challenges posed by reduced visibility. This makes it essential for drivers, especially motorcyclists, to be acutely aware of their environment and the effects that darkness has on their ability to see and respond to various situations. Adapting to these conditions by allowing extra space and time can significantly enhance safety while riding at night.