Many off-roaders, especially more experienced adventurers who feel like they’ve mastered all the toughest trails, want to try off-roading at night. But anyone who’s been out a little too late can tell you that it is not a good idea, as fun as it may sound. There are three main reasons not to go off-roading at night.
First, of course, visibility is low. You might have fantastic headlights, but even the brightest beams don’t compare with the light of the sun. At night, it’s much more difficult to see the bumps and inconsistencies in the road. Worse, it’s sometimes almost impossible to see the path itself, and if you drive too far off the path, you may endanger yourself by sliding into a mud bank or down a steep slope. The last thing you want to do at night, especially if you’re off-roading in a cold area, is spend hours digging your car out of a ditch or trying to get help. When the sunlight starts to dim, set up camp and tell scary stories – don’t keep driving.
The second reason not to drive at night: your energy is low. You’ve probably spent the whole day traveling, hiking, and enjoying yourself, and you might feel excited, but your body needs rest. The later it gets, the more tired you will become, and the harder it will be to pay attention to the road and react quickly. Your reflexes aren’t as effective at night, and even experienced off-roaders can damage their cars or injure themselves by reacting too slowly. Always remember that your body needs rest, even though your car might not.
The third reason applies in most areas, but especially to the desert: at night, swift, quiet animals come out, and they’re almost impossible to spot. You might be having a grand time driving off the road at night, but wild animals can dash in front of you at any moment. Hitting animals isn’t just bad for the wildlife: it’s dangerous and could bring your trip to a hasty end.
The best way to make your trip more exciting is to bring your favorite people along and visit new places where you haven’t hiked or explored before. Instead of driving at night, wake up early and watch the sunrise before embarking on an off-roading adventure for the whole morning and afternoon. Stay safe and take care of your mind and body while traveling, and you’re sure to have a memorable time.