Night has its magic, but it also carries risks, especially when you are behind the wheel of a huge truck traveling on a long and dark road. While people go to sleep, thousands of drivers start working at night to transport goods, armed with patience, experience and determination. However, behind this heroic image, there is a real danger:
Night driving is one of the most dangerous driving periods for drivers
Studies show that truck accidents increase significantly at night, and that fatigue and lack of sleep are the main factors behind them. In this article, we will highlight the most prominent risks of night driving, provide practical guidelines to maintain focus and safety, and explain how Darbek contributes to supporting drivers through its high-performance tires that are specifically designed to meet the challenges of night roads.
Why is night driving more dangerous for truck drivers?
Before going into the details of scientific reasons, it is important to consider the reality of roads at night. There is silence in the landscape, but danger lies in the dark. Night driving seems easier due to lack of congestion, but in fact it is more dangerous, because the factors that surround the driver change completely in terms of vision, alertness and even physical interaction.
Although roads are less crowded at night, accidents are more likely to occur. The reason is... A combination of biological and environmental factors.
- Biological clock and staying up late:
The human body is programmed to sleep at night. When driving at these hours, the driver faces a challenge against its biological nature, leading to slow response and reduced concentration.
According to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for about 9% of accidents in the United States, with more than half of them occurring during the night hours.
- Poor visibility and limited lighting:
At night, the eye's ability to distinguish details and colors is reduced, and car lights coming from the opposite direction may cause temporary blindness or blurred vision. These visual problems make driving in the dark a task that requires double concentration.
- Mental and physical fatigue:
Working long hours in the day, then driving at night, leads to severe stress, making the driver more susceptible to errors.
According to a study from the National Sleep Institute (NIH), a driver who drives 17 hours after waking up performs the same as someone who drives under the influence of alcohol.
The most prominent risks that truck drivers face at night:
Before we start presenting the most prominent risks that drivers face during night driving, it is useful to put ourselves in their shoes to imagine the scene: a long road, darkness envelops the place, and the light of lamps is the only companion. In such an environment, focusing becomes a real challenge, and any small mistake can have big consequences.
- Sudden drowsiness (Microsleep):
These are short moments in which the brain loses touch with reality for a few seconds without the driver noticing, such as closing the eyes involuntarily. In those seconds, the truck may move tens of meters without control, leading to fatal accidents.
- Poor estimation of distances and speed:
In the dark, it is difficult for the driver to estimate the actual distance between him and other vehicles. Therefore, rear-end crashes are more common at night.
- Animals and surprises on the way:
In rural areas or remote highways, animals or parked vehicles are more likely to appear suddenly, requiring a quick reaction that may be difficult in the event of fatigue.
- The psychological effect of isolation and excessive calm:
Driving at night means long hours of silence and loneliness. This environment may lead to absent-mindedness or progressive loss of attention.
Global studies and statistics on night driving:
- A study from the University of Florida (2022):
It showed that truck accidents are 41% more likely to occur at night than during the day.
- Report from NHTSA (2023):
Fatigue was a common factor in 13% of large truck accidents.
- AAA Foundation:
She pointed out that 37% of drivers admitted to driving while they were drowsy, which doubled the likelihood of accidents.
- European Transport Safety Institute (ETSC):
It showed that 60% of night drivers suffer from sleep disorders or chronic fatigue.
These figures show that night driving is not just a challenge, but a real danger that requires awareness and preventive measures from drivers and companies alike.
Guidelines for staying focused while driving at night
Before we review the practical tips, we should realize that night driving is like a marathon of focus and attention. The driver who knows how to take care of himself and manage his energy is the one who can arrive safely, no matter how long the road is, so these guidelines are your practical guide to protecting yourself and your truck during night trips.
- Get enough sleep before the flight:
Sleeping well is the first line of defense against fatigue. The driver must sleep at least 7 hours before any overnight flight.
- Eat light and balanced food:
Heavy meals exhaust the digestive system and cause drowsiness. Replace them with snacks rich in protein and fruits.
- Avoid stimulant drinks frequently:
Caffeine is good for moderate use, but too much leads to fluctuating energy and a feeling of collapse later.
- Regular rest stops:
Make sure to stop every two or three hours in safe areas to stretch and drink water. These short breaks maintain blood flow and renew concentration.
- Adjust cabin lighting:
Make sure that the lighting inside the cabin is moderate, not distracting, and does not cause eye strain.
- Use driving assistance systems:
Many modern trucks are equipped with technologies such as lane departure warning or drowsiness monitoring. Use them effectively.
- Don't rely only on determination:
If you feel tired or drowsy, do not try to resist, but stop immediately. A short break may save your life.
How can good tires make a big difference?
It may not occur to many that tires play a direct role in reducing night accidents. The tire is the only point that connects the truck to the road, and any defect may lead to loss of control, as good tires are characterized by the following:
- Cohesion and stability:
High-quality tires provide better grip on wet or slippery roads that are frequent at night due to humidity. The more the tire is stuck to the ground, the better the driver's ability to maneuver safely.
- Poor tires increase the risk of explosion:
At low temperatures at night, the air inside the bad tires contracts causing sudden pressure drops, which is one of the causes of accidents.
- Your trail tires: confidence in the dark:
Here is the role of the Derbek tires, which are designed to withstand long and night driving conditions. They are equipped with technologies that reduce rolling resistance and maintain optimal heat, increasing the truck's stability on the road.
Obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark (SASO) confirms its ability to operate in the harshest climatic conditions, whether on the Kingdom's hot roads or wet nights.
Advice for transport companies and professional drivers:
Before we talk about practical tips, it is important to realize that road safety is not only the driver's responsibility, but also extends to transport companies that organize work schedules and provide training and equipment. The success of a safe journey begins with the cooperation of both parties; the company that plans and the driver who commits and drives consciously.
- Organize your driving schedule:
Carriers should schedule trips so that night driving hours do not exceed safe limits, and provide mandatory breaks for drivers.
- Check trucks before each trip:
Make sure the lights, tire pressure, brakes, and oil are ready. Any minor glitch at night may turn into a disaster.
- Night driving training for drivers:
Training drivers in night vision skills and using modern systems can reduce human errors.
- Providing psychological and moral support:
Long driving at night causes isolation and great psychological stress. Having constant contact with the company or support teams boosts driver morale.
Night driving in the Gulf environment:
The climatic conditions in the Gulf make night driving a preferred option to avoid the heat of the day, but it also carries double risks due to high humidity and fog in some areas.
In Saudi Arabia, where roads extend for thousands of kilometers between cities, tires play an essential role in keeping the vehicle together. Here comes the role of Darbek in providing tires designed specifically to withstand this environment, giving drivers comfort and confidence even on long night trips.
With your path, don't be afraid of the dark path... Trust starts with the frame.
In conclusion...
Night driving is not just a journey on a dark road. It is a real test of the driver's endurance and attention. Every second of fatigue and every mistake in concentration may be a distinction between life and death.
But with awareness, planning, regular maintenance, and the right tires like your driveway, this challenge can be turned into a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Your path... confidence extends to the end of the road, even in the dark of night.
