Driving in the dark

Driving in the dark can be dangerous, so here are our top tips to keep you safe on those dark evenings:

• Headlights can sometimes point in the wrong direction, so check your vehicle’s manual and make sure your lights are set up correctly
• Avoid staring into oncoming headlights. Adjust your view to the white line on the left-hand side if you’re dazzled by the bright lights of an oncoming car
• Keep car windows, mirrors and lights clean to improve your visibility
• Make sure you can see out of all your windows, particularly your windscreen, and don’t set off if they are steamed up
• Have your eyes tested regularly – many people need different prescription glasses for day and night-time driving
• Take particular care to look out for pedestrians, cyclists and even deer – they are all harder to spot during the hours of darkness
• Keep your mirrors clean, and slightly tilt them downwards so they don’t catch the glow of bright headlights from cars behind you
• Keep your eyes moving, looking all around you rather than concentrating on just one area. This will make your eyes feel more alert and help them adjust to the dark

The good news is that driving in the morning will be lighter for a time, but always use your headlights if you’re unsure of your visibility.

If you’re nervous about driving in the dark, you can boost your confidence by taking advanced driving courses, many of which include modules on how to drive safely at night.

Take a look at our top tips for dealing with hazards.