A different set of challenges when driving in the dark
The shorter days and dark nights are well and truly with us. With them come a different set of challenges to the average driver, requiring a slight change to the way we get around and how we tackle the roads ahead.
So what do you need to know in order to stay safe when driving in the dark? We’ve got some key points to remember.
Keep your windows clean
This isn’t a tip just for driving in the dark, but for driving during winter in general. At this time of year there’s a lot more muck and grime on the roads that can coat your windows and, when you couple this with low winter sun, it can make driving during the day quite challenging. But the same thing applies at night. Making sure that your windows are clean will mean that your vision isn’t obscured by the headlights of oncoming traffic.
Pay extra attention to pedestrians and cyclists
It can be tricky to spot people and cyclists when travelling at night. Though cyclists are usually illuminated, there are many riders who head out without lights or reflective equipment - so you need to be particularly vigilant for bike riders who might not be easily visible. Pedestrians can be hard to spot too, particularly if they’re wearing darkly-coloured clothing. So it’s best to be particularly alert near crossings or in busy areas where people might not be paying as much attention when they look to cross the road.
Wearing glasses
It’s crucial that your eyesight is clear when travelling at night, so if you’re struggling to see then it could be a good idea to get an eye test. If you’re already a glasses wearer - or are thinking of getting a pair - then it’s a good idea to opt for anti-glare and anti-reflective lenses. These can really help when driving at night by reducing the amount of reflection and glare from headlights and street lights.
Don’t drive when tired
This is one of the most important points of all. Road safety charity Brake says that driving tired could be just as dangerous as drink-driving and accounts for between 10 and 20 per cent of all crashes. The charity also says that driving tired is a larger problem in the morning and early afternoon, during which time our body clocks enter a natural dip in energy. However, it’s just as important to stay alert at all hours - particularly when it starts to get dark.