The days are much shorter in the winter months, which means that people are out on the roadways driving in the darkness.
Even on familiar roads, motorists should use caution and watch for other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who will be less visible.
Here are some special precautions that should be taken by all drivers in the nighttime hours.

• See and be seen.
  Get the headlights on your vehicles checked.
  While driving, turn them on one hour before sunset and keep them on one hour after sunrise to ensure maximum visibility.
  Just because you can see other vehicles at dusk doesn't mean that the other drivers can always see you.
  
• Stay alert.
  With reduced visibility on the road, it's important that you reduce your speed and pay extra attention.
  Maintain at least a three-second following distance.
  
• Recognize and prevent drowsiness.
  If you've been on the road for a long time, you might find your concentration compromised and your senses dulled.
  Take frequent breaks if you are on a long road trip, and don't be afraid to pull over and rest if you feel yourself getting drowsy.
  
• Avoid sun glare.
  In addition to coping with darkness, you may need to adjust to early morning or late afternoon sun glare which can cause reflections off car windows and bumpers which can cause distractions and/or reduce visibility.
  

If you have trouble seeing at night, get your vision checked by your optometrist and consider taking a driver safety course to learn how to compensate in dark conditions.
As we get older we must compensate for reduced vision as well as slower reaction times.
So, take extra precautions while driving at night.