Night Riding with Reduced Visibility

Visibility challenges:

• Inadequate headlight: Low beam may not illuminate far enough, especially on curves. The beam pattern might be misaligned.
• Scratched visor: Causes glare and reduces clarity.
• Rain and wet road: Reduces visibility and traction.
• Darkness: No streetlights, so rely entirely on headlight.
• Curve: The curve limits how far ahead you can see.

Adjustments:

1. Use high beam when appropriate: If there is no oncoming traffic, switch to high beam to see further. But be ready to dip to low beam for oncoming vehicles.
2. Reduce speed: Slow down to a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see. At 70 km/h, you are traveling about 19 m/s. With 3 seconds, you cover about 57 m. Your stopping distance on wet road is longer. You should reduce speed to 50-60 km/h.
3. Improve visor clarity: If possible, clean the visor or use a helmet with a clear, unscratched visor. Consider using a visor with anti-fog and anti-glare properties. If glare is severe, you can tilt your head slightly to avoid the scratched area.
4. Scan the road: Look for reflective markers, road edges, and any signs. Use the headlight to scan for potholes.
5. Increase following distance: If there is a vehicle ahead, increase distance to avoid their spray and to have more reaction time.
6. Be smooth: On wet roads, smooth inputs are essential.

Speed management:

• Slow down before the curve: You are at 70 km/h. You should reduce speed to a safe speed for the curve, considering wet conditions and limited visibility. The advisory speed for the curve is not given, but you should err on the side of caution. A safe speed might be 50 km/h or lower.
• Use engine braking: Roll off the throttle and use engine braking to slow down smoothly. Apply brakes gently if needed, mostly front brake, but be careful on wet road.
• Trail braking: If necessary, you can trail brake lightly into the curve, but be cautious.

Lane position:

• Entry: Start from the outside of the curve (left side of your lane) to increase visibility and to set up for a late apex. This also gives you more room if you need to adjust.
• Apex: Aim for a late apex to see through the curve. Avoid the center line.
• Exit: Drift out to the right side of your lane as you exit.
• Avoid potholes: Use your headlight to spot potholes and adjust your line to avoid them. Do not make sudden swerves; plan ahead.
• Be visible: Keep your headlight on and consider using auxiliary lights if you have them.

If an oncoming vehicle with bright headlights approaches:

• Avoid looking directly at the lights: Look toward the right edge of your lane or the road edge to maintain your line. Do not stare at the oncoming lights.
• Use your visor: If you have a tinted visor or a visor with anti-glare, use it. If not, you can use your hand to shield your eyes briefly, but only if safe to do so.
• Reduce speed: Slow down further to give yourself more time to react if you are temporarily blinded.
• Maintain your lane position: Do not swerve into the oncoming lane. Keep a steady line.
• Be prepared to stop: If visibility is severely compromised, be ready to stop if necessary. However, stopping in a curve is dangerous; try to continue through the curve if possible.
• Flash your high beam: A quick flash of your high beam can remind the oncoming driver to dim their lights, but do not retaliate with high beam.
• After the vehicle passes: Allow your eyes to readjust and continue scanning the road ahead.