These Dark Roads are Killing Me!

A New View

Angela Connor is Managing Editor for User-Generated Content at CBC New Media. She recently relocated to the Triangle from South Florida with her husband and two young daughters. In this blog she shares the ups, downs and uncertainties that come along with making North Carolina her new home.

These Dark Roads are Killing Me!

Posted: December 10, 2007

You know, I thought I was a pretty good driver, until I began driving on some of the dark two-lane roads around here.

I've mentioned before that I learned to drive in Michigan, and have held a license in Ohio and Florida, and now North Carolina. I even had to take a test to get a license here, and I did very well, I must say.

But I never realized how much my evening travels were dependent on streetlights and well-lit areas that gave me a false sense of both security and, well...light.

What does it take to get used to the sheer darkness? And how do you not shudder when a car is coming toward you, (with blinding lights) knowing that if they go too far left-of-center it could be catastrophic for you both?

I have to drive in the dark simply because I don't get home until 6pm and my girls have evening activities. And the truth of the matter is, I can't avoid driving at night because I enjoy being on-the-go. But I don't like it at all, and I'm wondering if this will change in time, or if I will continue to drive like an old lady down Avent Ferry Road after dark.

What do you think?

12 Comments

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The Global Warming crowd should be happy that we're not using all of that extra electricity on street lights.

If you're worried about cars coming across the road to hit you, that's just as likely in the daytime.

Chuck U Farley
December 11, 2007 1:29 p.m.

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Welcome to NC.I think everyone gets a feel for the dark roads somewhere someplace.We all have to drive in the dark and on an unlit road from time to time.Get the Mace and keep some flashers in your car.

AKA PikeMom
December 11, 2007 11:49 a.m.

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I don't think they use "reflective paint" for the roads anymore like they did years ago. It's very scary to drive at night in the rain! We used to be known as having some of the best roads in the country for driving. I don't know what has happened? Perhaps the "reflective" element in the paint fades after many years?

Amused
December 11, 2007 11:48 a.m.

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AKA PikeMom
December 11, 2007 11:48 a.m.

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As far as dealing with oncoming cars, I learned a trick when i was younger. Focus on the white line to the right of you, that way you can stay in your lane without looking directly into the oncoming lights.

robertslaw
December 11, 2007 11:35 a.m.

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I think OldRebel covered all the biological reasons we have trouble with driving at night. I would like to add that you need to keep the inside of your windshield clean to avoid additional glare from oncoming lights. That being said, I think the state of NC could invest in more lane marking reflectors. After all, we don't seem to have the problem with snow movers taking the off.

x
December 11, 2007 11:35 a.m.

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:) Angela...not tthrowing off on ya girl...but as we age our night vision does degrade quite a bit. And if you wear glasses or contacts there is even more degradation of our night vision. And like you say, some of these dark roads, especially the ones with faded or even no painted lines on the pavement are tricksters to drive at night, and at night in the rain...just pray.

oldrebel
December 11, 2007 10:38 a.m.

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Those of us who live in the sticks love NOT having our landscape ablaze at night. I really feel sorry for those who grow up in the city and don't get to experience the beautiful clear night sky. I actually saw a falling star last night, something that would likely not have been seen with the blazing street lights on. I do agree that we need reflectors on the yellow lines to keep people in their own lanes.

anggiet
December 11, 2007 10:38 a.m.

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I'm 31 and I was born in NC but my mom is not originally from NC. She has complained about the dark roads and the drivers in NC since I can remember. I really don't see why the state can't put "cat eyes" on the roads at least. My uncle from MD would always comment on how dark our roads were when he would visit. NC residents pay high taxes compared to these other states that have decent lighting on their roads...where does it go? Not to our roads or schools.