How To Unravel Your Nerves as a Nighttime Driver

Nationwide, 49% of fatal crashes happen at night, with a fatality rate per mile of travel about three times as high as daytime hours. In addition, a Sylvania survey shows that many women are already uncomfortable driving at night (twice as many as men) One in four actually avoid taking to the roads.

So, how can you become a more confident and safer nighttime driver? Here's five things that will get you started:

* Eliminate distractions - turn down the music, put away the phone and absolutely no texting. The National Safety Council estimates that 28% of traffic accidents occur when people talk on cell phones or send text messages while driving.

* See and be seen - make sure you have the best visibility possible by upgrading both wiper blades and your headlights. All headlights dim over time so it might not be your eyesight that is causing your problems in the evening. Premium headlights can give you up to 50 percent more downroad visibility and 50 percent more sideroad vision. This can make the difference between an accident and avoidance.

* Steer clear - if anyone is driving rash, pull over, move over, slow down - and get off the road. Research shows that 54 percent of crashes at night are alcohol related so it's normal and ok to be more cautious of other drivers.

* Know your Route -If you aren't familiar with your destination, print a map, or make an investment in a GPS devise so it can walk you through your turns. And if you are traveling alone, make sure to notify other people of your intended journey and give them your expected time of arrival. Always make sure someone has your cell phone number.

* Vehicle maintenance - make sure you car gets regular preventative maintenance check ups to avoid a roadside breakdown in the wee hours of the night. _