How to Improve Your Safety During Night Trips in Colombia

Driving at night in Colombia presents unique challenges compared to daytime travel. There may be a smaller likelihood of heavy traffic, but there are other risks that you have to take into account. By the end of this article, you’ll have learned about them and be more prepared for safe driving at night.

While nighttime driving means lighter traffic, there may be added dangers that you need to take into account:

• Reduced visibility. Apart from the roads being darker, a car going the opposite direction using high beams can blind you too.
• Higher crime risk. You may want to avoid certain areas in Colombia that are notorious for crimes.
• Drunk drivers. Some irresponsible drivers may be on the road instead of booking a ride to go home.
• Fatigue. If you’ve been on the road with minimal breaks for a while, you may suffer from slower reaction time because of tiredness.

Complacency can also be an issue. Since drivers expect there to be fewer cars and people on the road, they may not pay as much attention to the road.

Whether it’s day or night, having a well-maintained vehicle can be a super weapon. But here’s an important tip for your night trips: pay extra attention to parts that are extra useful at night. So, make this your priority if you want to drive well into the night:

• Check your headlights and indicators to make sure that they’re working properly.
• Clean your windshield and mirrors to maximize visibility.
• Top up your fuel just in case you have to go to an area with not a lot of 24/7 gas stations.
• Have essential items with you, such as a flashlight and a first aid kit.
• Make sure that your phone is fully charged and that you bring a lightning cable for charging.

Doing all these helps limit the unpredictability while you’re navigating the roads at night.

The last thing that you want to happen is to fall asleep at the wheel. To avoid this, we recommend doing the following:

• Taking breaks. Use this as a chance to have a little coffee and stretch out, so that you can come back behind the wheel completely refreshed.
• Avoid heavy meals. You may feel even sleepier after, so stick to light snacks instead.
• Avoid energy drinks. Those are usually full of sugar, which only gives you temporary energy before you crash out.

With tourism growing in Colombia, there will always be work for drivers. You don’t always have to power through fatigue because the next day’s another chance to earn.

Because of how dark the streets can be, your range of vision will be somewhat limited. To help with safe driving at night, we recommend that you do the following:

• Use anti-reflective glasses that will protect you against glare from headlights.
• Stick to low beams when in the city, but switch to high beams in rural areas that may have poorly-lit roads.
• Dim your dashboard lights, as they can be a source of glare too.

Especially if a large portion of your income relies on driving, we recommend having your eyes checked regularly as well. Use prescription glasses if needed.

Driving at night in Colombia can be safe if you understand the situation and plan ahead. Understand the risks, address them, and maintain your vehicle before you head out. And remember, don’t rush. Getting there safely is the most important.