Driving through Saudi roads at night can be peaceful, but it also brings hidden dangers that are easy to overlook. Whether you’re heading back from a desert trip or cruising down the city highways after a long day, knowing how to stay safe after dark is critical. From fatigue and poor visibility to unexpected road hazards, here’s how to stay alert and drive smarter when the sun goes down.
The human eye isn’t built for sharp vision in low light. On Saudi roads, especially outside city centers, many areas suffer from low or inconsistent street lighting. Glare from oncoming headlights makes it harder to focus, especially when navigating wide highways or passing trucks with high beams. Add in unpredictable road conditions, such as potholes or construction zones, and it becomes clear why accidents increase after sunset.
Fatigue is another major concern. Most people feel drowsy naturally at night, and long commutes or desert drives only make it worse. According to local safety reports, drowsy driving crashes are more likely between midnight and early morning. Drivers who work late or travel long distances without rest are especially at risk.
Start by making sure your windshield and mirrors are clean. Dust and smudges can scatter light and increase glare. Adjust your mirrors to minimize reflections from cars behind you and dim your dashboard lights to preserve your night vision.
Use your headlights even before sunset to increase visibility and help others see you. On poorly lit desert roads, switch to high beams when there’s no traffic, but remember to turn them off for oncoming vehicles. If glare from incoming traffic becomes unbearable, try looking slightly to the right edge of your lane instead of straight at the light.
Modern cars in Saudi Arabia now come with advanced lighting systems like adaptive LEDs and anti-glare rearview mirrors. If your car has these features, use them to your advantage.
Emergencies can happen anywhere, especially when visibility is low. Always keep an emergency kit in your car with a working flashlight, reflective warning triangles, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and basic tools. In remote parts of Saudi Arabia, especially in desert areas, it’s wise to carry extra water, a phone charger, and a power bank in case of breakdowns or getting stranded without mobile signal.
Navigation apps like Tasjeel or Mawqif can help you find nearby fuel stations and rest areas. Also, try to plan your route in advance and avoid unlit or rural roads late at night unless necessary. If you feel tired or disoriented, do not continue driving. Pull over at a safe location, rest, and then resume your journey. Nighttime is not the time to push your limits.
Night driving is riskier due to poor lighting in rural areas, strong glare from other vehicles, and increased fatigue among drivers. Wildlife and sudden road hazards like sand patches or potholes are also harder to detect after dark.
Pull over safely and take a short nap or switch drivers if possible. Avoid energy drinks or forcing yourself to stay awake. Drowsy driving is one of the top causes of night crashes in the Kingdom.
Yes, but only in unlit areas where there is no oncoming traffic. You should always dim your lights when another car approaches to avoid blinding other drivers.
Keep your windshield clean, dim your dashboard lights, and look slightly to the right side of your lane instead of directly at the lights. If your car has an auto-dimming rearview mirror, activate it to reduce glare from cars behind you.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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