Tips for Night Driving: How to Stay Safe on the Road After Dark
Driving at night can feel different from daytime driving. Reduced visibility, glaring headlights, and even tiredness make night driving a bit more challenging. Here are some simple tips to help you stay safe and confident on the road after dark.
1. Ensure Your Headlights Are in Good Condition
Your headlights are essential for seeing and being seen by other drivers at night. Before setting off, check that your headlights and taillights are clean and working properly. Make sure they’re aimed correctly as well – poorly aligned lights can cause glare for oncoming drivers or fail to light up the road properly for you.
2. Use Your Lights Properly
Using your headlights correctly is key to safe night driving.
Dipped Beam: Use dipped beam (low beam) when driving in areas with street lighting or when there’s oncoming traffic. It reduces glare for other drivers and is sufficient in well-lit areas.
Full Beam: Use full beam (high beam) on unlit roads or in the countryside where visibility is limited, but remember to dip them as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle to avoid dazzling other drivers.
3. Reduce Your Speed and Increase Following Distance
Visibility is naturally reduced at night, so it’s a good idea to slow down a bit. This gives you more time to spot hazards and react safely. Also, increase the distance between you and the car in front. At night, it’s harder to judge distances accurately, and the added space allows for safer braking.
4. Keep Your Windscreen and Mirrors Clean
Smudges, dirt, or dust on your windscreen and mirrors can create glare when headlights or streetlights hit them. Clean your windscreen inside and out before driving at night, and keep your mirrors adjusted and clear. Clean glass improves visibility and helps cut down on reflections that could interfere with your view of the road.
5. Avoid Looking Directly at Oncoming Headlights
Headlights from oncoming vehicles can cause glare, making it difficult to see the road. Try to look slightly to the left side of your lane rather than directly at the lights. This way, you stay focused on the road while reducing the impact of glare.
6. Stay Alert for Pedestrians and Animals
Pedestrians and animals can be harder to spot at night, especially if they’re not in well-lit areas. Stay alert, particularly when driving in residential or rural areas. Slowdown in places where pedestrians, cyclists, or animals are likely, such as near parks, farms, or footpaths.
7. Stay Focused and Avoid Drowsy Driving
Driving at night can make you feel more tired, especially after a long day. If you start feeling drowsy, pull over somewhere safe and take a break. Signs of tiredness include yawning, difficulty concentrating, and drifting between lanes. If needed, grab a quick coffee, or take a short nap before resuming your journey.
8. Limit Distractions Inside the Car
Distractions, like a bright phone screen or loud music, can make night driving harder by disrupting your focus. Keep your phone out of reach and avoid using it while driving. Dim your dashboard lights if they’re too bright, and keep conversations or other distractions to a minimum, so you can concentrate on the road.
9. Use Your Fog Lights When Necessary
Foggy conditions reduce visibility significantly, especially at night. If it’s foggy, turn on your fog lights to improve visibility, but remember to switch them off when the fog clears to avoid dazzling other drivers. Fog lights are designed for low-visibility situations and can be too bright for regular driving.
10. Stay Calm and Confident
Night driving may feel different, but with practice, you’ll become more comfortable with it. Stay calm, keep your focus, and trust your skills. With the right preparation and careful driving, you can navigate night-time roads safely and confidently.
Driving at night requires a bit of extra care and preparation. From ensuring your lights are in good condition to managing distractions, small steps can make a big difference in your safety. Practising good habits and staying alert helps you drive safely, no matter the time of day. Stay safe and enjoy your journey, even when the sun goes down!
