An Urbanite's Guide to Country Driving in the Dark

There is perhaps nothing so creepy to a city person as driving down a long, lonely dirt road at night, surrounded by nothing but trees or pasture, to a house without a single light on. In the city a similar scenario puts us on the alert. We watch every shadow with a hand over the pepper spray as we make our way to the darkened door. Country dwellers are not afraid of the dark for the simple reason that they don't have to be. It's common to see rural homes without a single light at night. The lack of light doesn't mean the homeowner is on vacation, but more likely, they'd rather not waste electricity while asleep.

As urbanites we're taught to be afraid of the dark. How do we overcome that fear to drive alone to an empty rural home? The following tips should help those unaccustomed to driving alone to a dark destination in the country at night.

1. Get Directions from More Than One Source

Maps and directions, whether from road atlases, GPS systems or online mapping engines are not always up to date. Nor do they account for road closures. Likewise, verbal directions often inadvertently leave something out. Not to mention that in the country, not all roads are marked! Be sure to consult at least two sources to get a better idea of where you are going and how what the distance is between turns. If you miss a turn, you'll be more likely to catch your mistake within a few short miles. Better yet, carry a cell phone and call a friend if you get lost.

2. Get a Cell Phone

On the off chance that you don't already have a mobile phone, get one! You never know when you might need it. When a tire pops or the engine overheats in the country, it could be a while before someone drives by to help. Chances are good that you can't walk to the service station from your rural location. Plus, on occasions when you are waiting for the tow truck to arrive, it helps pass the time (and ease city nerves) to call a friend. If you are used having a cell phone, don't be surprised when it takes seemingly forever for help to arrive. The person coming to help you was probably comfortably asleep (in the utter dark) and lives 10 miles away.

3. Get a Good Prior Night's Sleep and Stay Alert

One of the greatest dangers people face when driving at night is lack of sleep. Driving while drowsy is sited as a contributing factor to over 100 thousand accidents in the United States each year (National Sleep Foundation). Highway hypnosis, which affects drivers on straight highways, resembles drowsy driving and can be just as dangerous. Turn up the air conditioning and the radio to provide yourself with distractions from the boredom of the road (CarInsuranceQuotes.com).

4. Watch Out for Critters and Curves in the Road

What's the only thing more annoying than jaywalkers? Furry creatures. Animals won't stop to look both ways and have even less regard for you as a driver. In areas with no street lights, drive with your brights on, but please be polite and turn them off for drivers approaching you or in front of you. Watch the sides of the roadway for critters and hug the center line (stay aware of oncoming traffic). Treat posted speed limits as a guide. Slow down for curves and eyes flashing in the reflected light. Sadly, drivers must also watch for animals that have already been struck and left in the roadway.

5. Stop Rushing and Relax -- Nobody's There but You

Now that you've reached your destination, take a deep calming breath. Before you get out of the car, look around. Rain, snow, or moonshine, it's beautiful outside! Be aware that every move you make may seem strangely loud as compared to the city, including unlocking the car doors, lifting the door handle, or simply stepping out of the vehicle. The first few times you arrive to your destination in the dark, leave your car headlights on to light a path to the door. Return to your car and turn them off after the house lights are on.

6. Find Your Footing in the Dark

On your way to and from the house, walk around a bit. Stop, drink in the smells, look up at the stars and listen. Explore the paths around the house and get a feel for what the darkness looks and sounds like. Watch out for frogs and other harmless nighttime visitors that may tread underfoot!

7. Have Confidence That You Are Safe

Soon enough, you'll be familiar enough with your surroundings to sense true danger wherever it may lurk. You are many times less likely to encounter a perilous scenario in the rural countryside than in the city or suburbs.

Sources:

"How to Avoid Highway Hypnosis." CarInsuranceQuotes.com.

National Sleep Foundation, "Facts and Stats." DrowsyDriving.org.