MileCheckShould you drive a desert road or mountain pass at night?
Postpone if you are tired, the route is closed or you lack the required traction equipment. Darkness also reduces what you can see ahead. An open road is not a guarantee that your planned drive is a good choice.
Facts checked September 2026. Every number links to its source; prices and rules change, so confirm the day you travel.
Watch for wildlife before and after sunset
Washington’s wildlife agency says deer are most active around dawn and dusk, although they can be active at other times. Do not treat the hours between those periods as animal-free.
Reduce speed where visibility is limited. If you see a deer, allow for another nearby.
Washington wildlife agency deer guidance · Triple-I deer-collision guidance.
Ice may look like wet pavement
ODOT warns about black ice, particularly on bridges and overpasses. A clear sky or a dark-looking road surface does not rule it out.
Read the black-ice guide and check the actual pass report. For Snoqualmie Pass, use the current restriction rather than a camera image alone.
Do not plan through fatigue
NHTSA identifies midnight to 6 a.m. and late afternoon as peak sleepiness periods. Adequate sleep is the main protection against drowsy driving.
If you become sleepy, stop driving and find a safe place to rest. A later arrival is preferable to trying to finish a drive you cannot stay awake for.
NHTSA drowsy-driving guidance.
Leave a route and a check-in plan
Tell someone your route, destination and when you expect to check in. Save the route before leaving. Do not make the plan depend on continuous phone service.
When stopped safely, note the road number, direction and nearest mile marker. Use these details when reporting your location. Give observed information rather than a guessed marker.
Take supplies before the remote section
ADOT recommends carrying drinking water and food and keeping fuel well above empty. Plan a refuelling stop before a remote stretch instead of relying on the next business being open.
For a winter pass, also check the weather and required equipment. Delay if you cannot meet the restriction.
ADOT trip-preparation guidance.
Know exactly where you are — live
Your mile marker shows even offline. Live DOT alerts and the nearest camera on your route are part of MileCheck Premium and need a connection to update. Runs on CarPlay and Android Auto.
Questions, answered
Does less traffic make a night drive safe?
Traffic volume alone does not settle visibility, fatigue or road conditions.
Are deer active only at dusk?
No. They can be active at other times too.
Can black ice look like a wet road?
Yes. Do not use appearance alone to rule it out.
What if you are sleepy before leaving?
Rest or change the departure. Do not begin by planning to push through.
What location information should you save?
The route number, travel direction and a known mile marker or nearby exit.
Does a camera prove the whole pass is clear?
No. Check current restrictions and road reports as well.
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