Driving at night comes with challenges that you may not have considered before, and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents states that nearly 40% of all road collisions happen at night.
There is reduced visibility, glare from headlights, and increased tiredness can all make night-time driving a little more demanding.
Read our tips on how to stay safe while driving at night to help reduce the risks and ensure that your journeys are safe even after sunset.
How to stay safe while driving at night
Inspect your lights
Driving at night, you need adequate illumination, so it’s vital to check your vehicle’s lights regularly to ensure that they’re working properly. Misaligned or dirty headlights can reduce visibility and may even dazzle other drivers.
Keep your windscreen and mirrors clean
Clear vision is essential for nighttime driving, so keep your windscreen and mirrors clean. Lights amplify dirt and streaks, which could impair your ability to see the road clearly. Spend time cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces to reduce glare and improve visibility.
Adjust your interior lights
Bright dashboard lights can be distracting and may reduce visibility outside the car. You should be able to dim these lights to help stop reflections on the windscreen.
Don’t stare at oncoming headlights
Staring at oncoming headlights can cause temporary blindness, so avoid looking directly at the lights. Focus on the left-hand side of the road and use the edge as a guide to stay in position within your lane.
Don’t drive tired
You’ve seen the campaigns; driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Fatigue impacts reaction time and your ability to make decisions. If you’re driving at night, make sure you’re well-rested, and if you feel drowsy, find a safe place to stop and rest. A bit of fresh air and a brisk walk can make a world of difference.
Increase car gaps
Darkness means that it can take longer to see and react to potential hazards, so it’s best to increase the distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. The two-second rule is ideal, but remember to extend this gap in bad weather.
Be vigilant
Reducing speed is necessary in residential areas and country roads where it’s harder to spot road users and wildlife.
Take an evening driving lesson
If you’re worried about how to stay safe while driving at night, then it might be worth taking an evening driving lesson. This will help ensure confidence behind the wheel in the dark, and your instructor can pass on any pearls of wisdom for driving in these conditions. Phone Ashley Neal today and get booked in.
Get regular eye tests
Regularly getting eye tests is important to ensure your vision is good enough for driving. If you struggle to see at night, it’s worth speaking to an optician who may suggest corrective lenses or treatments to help with night vision.
Plan your journey
If you’re driving somewhere unknown at night, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the route before you head out to reduce your reliance on GPS. Knowing what to expect can also make driving at night less stressful and safer.
Use anti-reflective glasses
For drivers who wear glasses, lenses with an anti-reflective coating can help to reduce glare from streetlights and headlights. The coating is designed to minimise reflections and improve contrast and sharpness at night.
Combat condensation
Condensation on your windows and mirrors will impair your visibility, especially in the colder months. Make sure your demisters and air conditioning are working well. Use window heaters to help keep your view clear.
Slow down in the rain or fog
Wet or foggy conditions make night driving even more demanding. Reduce your speed, use dipped headlights, and use your fog lights when necessary.
Potholes in the dark
Potholes can be harder to see in the dark, so be vigilant and slow down where safe to do so and try to avoid them if you do see them.
Don’t drive with interior lights on
Interior car lights can cause reflections on windows and make it harder to see outside clearly, so avoid having them on at all costs.
Keep your car in good condition
Worn window wipers, dirty fluid tanks, or faded headlights will all reduce visibility. Make routine maintenance part of your driving safety habits. Check things like your washer fluid, tyre pressure and bulbs before long night-time journeys.
Know when to pull over
If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed by glare, or overly tired, it’s perfectly fine to stop and take a break. Safety should always come first.
And just in case… carry these essentials
Every driver should be prepared if there’s an emergency. Keeping these essentials in your boot will provide peace of mind if you do get stranded at night:
- A torch
- Blanket
- Warm clothing
- Ice scraper or de-icer
Driving at night doesn’t have to be daunting. Use our simple tips and a few small adjustments to make yourself feel more comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
If you’re feeling particularly worried about driving at night, it might be worth booking an evening driving lesson with Ashley Neal. Our professional instructors will guide you through a lesson in the dark, helping you to feel calm, capable and in control.
Call Ashley Neal today and take the next step towards becoming a safer, more confident driver.