Why is it important to drive slower at night?

Driving slower at night is important primarily because the distance you can see ahead is significantly reduced due to limited visibility. This is caused by the inability of standard headlights to illuminate far distances, especially in areas without streetlights. The reduced sight distance makes it more challenging to perceive potential hazards, pedestrians, animals, or other vehicles on the road. By driving at a slower speed, drivers have more time to react to unexpected obstacles, which enhances safety during nighttime driving.

While other factors such as dim vehicle lights, tired drivers, and potentially worse road conditions at night do contribute to the overall driving environment, the critical reason for adjusting speed is the limited visibility that comes with darkness. Slowing down accounts for this factor and helps ensure a safer driving experience.