5 Night Driving Dangers You’re Probably Ignoring And How to Stay Safe

Night Driving Isn’t Just Dark, It’s Deadly

While only 25% of all driving happens at night, over 50% of all fatal crashes occur after sunset. That’s not a coincidence, it’s a pattern.

In Nigeria, night driving carries even higher risks due to:

• Poorly lit highways
• Lack of reflective signage
• Inadequate road markings
• Infrequent enforcement and roadside assistance

This article exposes the five hidden dangers of night driving in Nigeria, and how to avoid them to get home safely.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), FRSC Annual Crash Data (2024), and WHO Global Road Safety Report (2023)

1. Reduced Visibility = Slower Reaction Time

At night, visibility drops to 25–30 meters ahead, compared to 150–200 meters in daylight.

Nigerian highways like the Lokoja–Abuja Road or Benin, Ore–Sagamu Expressway lack overhead lighting or median reflectors, forcing drivers to rely solely on their headlights.

Real Risk:

• Missed potholes
• Pedestrians in dark clothing
• Disabled vehicles without hazard reflectors
• Clean your headlamps weekly
• Use high beams on rural roads but switch to low beams for oncoming traffic
• Avoid tinted windshields and scratched headlights that reduce brightness

2. Poorly Lit Trucks and Abandoned Vehicles

It’s common to see trucks parked along narrow shoulders at night, often with no warning triangles, no hazard lights, and zero visibility. This has led to repeated fatal pileups, especially around Ojodu Berger, Ibadan Bypass, and Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.

Case in Point: In early 2025, a midnight collision on the Makurdi–Gboko Road involving a parked cement truck killed 6 passengers in a commercial Sienna vehicle.

Solution:

• Never hug the right lane tightly at night
• Scan far ahead for glimmers of reflective tape (if any)
• Drive slower in areas where trailers usually park.

3. Fatigue and Drowsy Driving

Driver fatigue is responsible for 15–20% of road fatalities globally, and higher in countries where long-haul trips are common without regulated rest stops.

In Nigeria, private and commercial drivers often push beyond 12 hours of continuous driving, especially on interstate trips between 9 PM and 5 AM.

Signs of drowsiness:

• Yawning frequently
• Drifting between lanes
• Missing road signs or exits

Solution:

Avoid driving more than 8 hours straight

If drowsy, pull over safely and rest for 15–30 minutes

Drink water, not energy drinks, hydration helps alertness more sustainably

️ 4. Road Conditions Worsen in the Dark, Especially in Rain

At night, even moderate rain can turn small potholes into deep traps. Reflective puddles can hide road hazards, making it harder to judge the road’s depth or alignment.

In 2024, FRSC reported that 21% of wet-weather crashes occurred between 7 PM and 2 AM due to poor visibility and hydroplaning.

Solution:

• Slow down in rain, especially on roads like the East–West Road or Lafia–Akwanga stretch
• Increase following distance by 3–4 seconds
• Never overtake during downpours

5. Higher Risk of Drunk or Reckless Drivers

Night brings out more impaired or aggressive drivers. Whether it’s intoxication, street racing, or lack of enforcement, nighttime sees a spike in erratic driving.

Popular blackspots like Mowe–Ibafo, Sango Ota, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road see this regularly after 9 PM.

Solution:

• Keep right and allow speeders to pass
• If you suspect a drunk driver, give space and avoid engagement
• Use FRSC or emergency hotlines to report reckless behavior

Final Take: How to Stay Safe Every Night

Do full pre-trip checks: lights, brakes, wipers, tyres

Keep emergency supplies: flashlight, hazard triangle, first-aid kit

Stick to familiar routes: Avoid exploring rural shortcuts after 8 PM

Share trip plans with someone: If something goes wrong, help gets to you faster

Also Read: Night Driving – Reasons, Tips and Technology