Driving at night carries with it a different set of risks to motoring during daylight hours and even experienced drivers can encounter difficulties if they are not fully prepared.
Indeed, the first thing to get right is the use of lights. Not only are they important for night driving but should also be used during periods of reduced visibility such as at dusk, dawn and when there is heavy rain or the sky is heavily overcast during daylight hours.
Car lights are there for you to see and also to be seen. Your safety depends on other road users being aware of you as much as you being aware of them and any other possible hazards. Remember, it’s not just other vehicles that use roads, cyclists and pedestrians do too and they must be able to see you coming.
So, before the winter sets in check that your lights are in working order and make sure you continue to regularly check them throughout the darker times of the year, say once a week to ensure that the bulbs have not failed. And, perhaps even get someone to help and make sure you replace any worn out bulbs immediately.
When driving with headlights it is important that the full beam is used appropriately. Avoid dazzling oncoming drivers by dipping your lights promptly as soon as they come into view. And, do not wait until other drivers are almost upon you or flashing desperately to alert you to the fact they are being dazzled, before you dip your beam. Driving through well-lit urban areas shouldn’t require anything other than a dipped beam to ensure optimum visibility.
As most car insurance UK policies allows drivers to build up a no-claims bonus over several years of careful driving, it is important to ensure that accidents are avoided. Many road traffic collisions are caused by inappropriate excessive speed and during the winter months it is even more important to keep an eye on the speedometer.
Road conditions are regularly worse in winter than during the summer months and slippery and icy road surfaces can result in a loss of control. However, at night it more difficult to see such upcoming hazards, especially if excessive speed is involved. So slow down and ensure that you can react comfortably to any potential hazard.
Finally, although road safety information films promote the wearing of bright clothing for pedestrians; cyclists and motorbike riders during darkness should be aware that some people don’t always follow that advice. So watch out for such road users who are not immediately visible and always take special care if driving past pubs or clubs at closing time, as not all the people leaving such establishments will be as responsive or careful as they should be on public roads.
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Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.