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23rd December 2020

Tips for driving in the dark

With the evenings drawing in, it is much more likely that drivers will be taking to the roads in the dark. Driving at night or in the dark can present a number of challenges for motorists. With research finding that 40% of accidents occur during dark hours, it is important that all precautions are taken to ensure a safe journey. Take a look below at our top tips for driving in the dark this autumn and Winter.

driving in the dark

Clean and clear windows

Visibility at night is considerably poorer, therefore windows that aren’t clean can make driving during this time particularly dangerous. Keeping your windows (both windscreens, side windows and wing mirrors) clear is essential for reducing glare and condensation forming.

Have your eyes checked

Your eyesight can differ greatly from day to night time, therefore it is vital that you get your eyes checked regularly to identify any issues that could impact your ability to see the road clearly in dark conditions.

Use the appropriate lights

Much of driving safely at night is taking into consideration others on the road. This means using the correct lights to ensure your car is visible but doesn’t dazzle oncoming traffic. In addition to this, ensure that you regularly check that all lights on your car are working, not only could a broken light cause you to fail an MOT, but it also reduces the visibility of your car for other road users (not to mention pedestrians).

Don’t drive when tired

Driving whilst tired can prove to be equally as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and this can be exacerbated when driving in the dark. Statistics have shown that falling asleep at the wheel accounts for 20% off all serious accidents on the UK’s roads and motorways, therefore it is vital to avoid driving when tired.

Assess the weather

Driving in adverse weather can present a number of dangers at the best of times, but these dangers are made all the more serious when combined with dark evenings. As the weather becomes colder over the next few months, assess the weather conditions before starting your journey to avoid driving on icy roads in darkness.

Looking for more tips on all things motoring? Take a look through our Hints and Tips page.