Originally Posted by
AlmostTrick
Another side benefit I found: My commute runs through some non-lit areas, on lane roads with blind curves and hills. Surprise! Thanks to their headlights, I can see the oncoming cars before they come around the curve or clear the hilltop. Obviously this is not possible during the daytime.
Not only that, headlights and your shadow projected ahead of you announce cars approaching behind me well in advance. Plus ascars come up, my shadow deflecting to the right tell me they're swinging out to give me plenty of room as they pass. If the shadow doesn't move as far to the right, I brace for a close pass. If it (hasn't happened yet) doesn't shift right, I'll steer off the road to avoid being taken from the back.
Night riding offers many clues not available in the daytime, such as seeing a car approaching on a cross street at a blind intersection. But it does take some practice and getting used to seeing by light and shadow vs technicolor.