With shorter days, people are spending more time driving in the dark. Shorter days, sleepiness and decreased night vision can make nighttime driving hazardous. As the night hours fall, your depth perception and peripheral vision become weak, and bright headlights from other vehicles can make seeing difficult.

According to the National Highway Safety Council the risk of a fatal crash is three times greater at night. Visibility is limited after the sun sets, distractions such as animals crossing the road or a slippery patch on the road can lead to a motor vehicle crash.

If you must drive at night these following tips will help you improve your night vision to reach your destination safely:

• Keep your headlights clean of debris and make sure they are working properly. (In the winter make sure all snow/ice is removed before leaving.)

• Reduce your speed, allow for extra travel time if needed.

• Don’t tailgate.

• Avoid distractions, turn down the radio, turn off interior lights, and put the cell phone away- out of reach.

• Avoid drowsy driving at all costs.

• Minimize glare from other vehicles by not looking directly at them as they pass.

• Take your time-eyes need to adjust to the night, give yourself plenty of time to allow the adjustment for safer traveling.

• Never drive impaired by drugs or alcohol.

In addition the St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program would also like to remind you that New York State law requires you to turn on your headlights when the weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers to clear rain, snow, sleet or fog. "Daytime lights" do not qualify as headlights. This makes it easier for you and other drivers to see oncoming traffic when visibility is reduced.