During the darker autumn and winter months, insurance companies see an increase in motor claims because of more challenging driving conditions.
It's important to be prepared for night driving. With hidden hazards, dazzling lights, and distracted drivers, dark nights can make driving tricky. But by taking these simple measures, you can help keep yourself (and others) safe on the road:
- Don't drive tired
- Use lights appropriately
- Keep your windows clean
- Dim interior lights
- Keep on top of car maintenance
- Get your eyes tested
- Take an evening driving lession
- Don't drive too fast
- Be cautious of others
Don’t drive while tired
We’ve all seen the signs: “Tiredness can kill”. According to the DVLA, up to a fifth of accidents on the motorway are likely caused by people falling asleep at the wheel. No matter what time of the day, driving when tired is a problem. It lowers your concentration and slows your reaction times. Combined with the lower visibility of night-time, the risks are even greater.
If you find yourself cracking open a window or turning up the radio to try and stay focused, it’s probably time to take a break. A 'power nap' could help, but it’s best to avoid getting to that stage in the first place. Got a long drive ahead of you? Factor in a 15-minute break every two hours when you plan your trip.
If you’ve driving overnight, consider booking a hotel and split the drive over two days. If you can split it with someone else, even better (just make sure they’re insured to drive your car).
Use lights appropriately
Your car’s high beam can help with lower visibility at night, but make sure you use them correctly. If you find yourself on an unlit stretch of road, with no cars ahead or approaching, slow down and turn your full beam on.
In heavy rain, fog or snow, your high beam headlights may cause more problems than they solve. The light from them may be reflected back at you, making it harder to see what’s ahead. If you feel unsafe, pull over and wait for the worst of the weather to pass before getting back on the road.
Keep your windows clean
It may sound obvious, but make sure you keep your windscreen clean. When you’re driving at night, you'll need to be able to spot any potential driving hazards. Keeping your windscreen clean can help.
Dim interior lights
Modern cars have all manner of gadgets installed as standard. While they provide great benefits and features, they can also be a distraction. Things like front screen displays will often have the option to dim the brightness. At night, this can be really useful, as it can reduce additional glare and let you focus on the road ahead.
Keep on top of car maintenance
Making sure your car is in tip-top condition is always important. And it can really help with night-time driving. Keep on top of your car’s maintenance, paying special attention to your car’s brake pads and lights.
Now, we’re not all mechanical whizz-kids. Rely on an expert’s opinion if you're worried about anything in particular. Taking a trip down to your local garage for a yearly service can also help uncover any potential issues.
Get your eyes tested
There’s plenty you can do for your car to keep yourself safe driving at night. But, did you know getting an eye test can help, too?
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents suggests having an eye test at least every two years, is recommended by an optician. Our eyesight tends to get worse as we age, so it's worth keeping up with your appointments. You may not notice a gradual change in your vision.
You must be able to read a UK number plate from 20 metres away. If you can’t and you’re caught driving, you could be prosecuted and end up losing your license. So, if you’re struggling to read number plates, it’s time for a trip to the optician.
If you've been prescribed glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them while driving.
Take an evening driving lesson
Driving at night can be a real worry. If you’re nervous about driving at night, consider taking a night-time driving refresher lesson. Having a qualified driving instructor with you can really help boost your confidence. They’ll also be able to give you more specific advice around driving at night, if you need it.
Don’t drive too fast
Another useful tip for driving at night: take it slow. At night, speed awareness is vital. You’ll want to give yourself a bit more time to react to anything on the road. With reduced visibility, going a little bit slower will help you spot hazards, and react in time.
Be cautious of others
This goes hand-in-hand with driving a little slower. At night, pay extra attention to other cars on the road. Not all drivers take extra care out on the road at night, so your quick thinking could help avoid an accident.
Paying closer attention to what's happening around you (think pedestrians and wildlife, too!) will help keep you - and them - safe.
Driving at night can be daunting. There are extra risks you need to be aware of on any late-night trip. However, following this advice can help keep you, your passengers, and anyone else out at night safe.
