10 Top Safety Tips for Driving in the Dark
Night driving in the UK has some challenges, from less light and glare due to the unpredictability of weather. Wherever you are - on motorways or rural roads - it's extremely important that you take extra care in taking measures for your safety. Below are the key tips that can make you safe at night while driving.
Before taking on your journey, you need to ensure you have a valid MOT and road tax. If you're unsure about this, you'll need to run the number plate through a free HPI check. While an alternative free HPI check does not reveal all the historical information, this type of check will still be able to determine the MOT and road tax status for free.
1. Test Your Lights Before Leaving
The headlights, rear lights, brake lights, and indicators are all key ensure safe driving at night. Ensure that all your lights are clean and working properly before taking on your trip. If your headlights seem less bright or yellowish, get your bulbs replaced. Use dipped headlights where it is well-lit and full beam on dark roads but dip them always when overtaking other cars.
2. Keep the Windscreen and Mirrors Clean
Grime and smudges on your mirrors or windscreen can worsen the glare from approaching headlights, and reduce visibility. Clean the inside and outside of your windscreen now and then and inspect your wipers while you’re at it. Putting an anti-glare coating on your mirrors will also reduce reflections.
3. Drive With Caution
Darkness also significantly reduces your visibility to see hazards, including pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. Slow down based on your visibility and road conditions. Slowing down on unacquainted or curving routes will give you extra time to react should an unexpected entity come your direction.
4. Increase Your Following Distance
At night, judging distances becomes more difficult. Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front to allow extra stopping time. A good rule of thumb is the "four-second rule" – pick a fixed point ahead and ensure at least four seconds pass before you reach the same point after the car in front.
5. Avoid Looking Directly at Oncoming Headlights
Blinding oncoming traffic headlights may make you blind for a short period. In order to reduce the effect, avoid looking directly at them and gaze to the left side of the road as a means of staying on course. If you are being followed by a vehicle whose high beams are on, change your rearview mirror to an anti-glare position.
6. Be Alert and Rested
Fatigue is the main culprit behind most nighttime vehicular accidents. When you feel like tiredness is creeping in, look for a rest stop or service station. A cup of coffee or simple stretch may do the trick to ward off fatigue. However, if staying awake is almost impossible, it is much safer to get off the road and take a short nap before you sit behind the wheel again.
7. Be Aware of Wildlife and Pedestrians
At night in rural areas, deer and foxes are most active and are apt to pop onto the road. Take additional care in woodland or open countryside parts. In the city also, take additional care as pedestrians may be obscured in dark colour.
8. Plan Your Route and Have Emergency Supplies
Have your trip planned and routed in advance to eliminate the need to make unnecessary turns or going on dark roads. Always have your emergency supplies handy including a flashlight, blanket, phone charger, and reflective vest in case of break-downs.
By following these tips for nighttime safety while driving, you can minimise risks and promote safer returns home or on your late-night traveling. Drive cautiously, remain vigilant, and safely drive.
