Tips for Driving at Night Time

Driving at night presents a unique set of challenges that many drivers may underestimate.

Reduced visibility, glare from oncoming headlights, and driver fatigue all contribute to increased risk of accidents after dark.

Given that 43.8% of fatal crashes occur in the timeframe of 4pm-11:59pm, it’s safe to say that you need to take extra precaution when planning and understand how to navigate on driving in the dark.

Get your eyes tested

Driving with comprised eye sight is a risk at any time of the day – particularly at night time.

Therefore, if you haven’t already, get your eyes tested if you feel like you’re struggling to see the roads ahead when it’s dark.

Not only is it safer for you, but it’s also safer for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

By getting your eyes tested, you will know for sure if you need glasses to drive at any time of day, better to be safe than sorry!

Ensure your headlights are working properly

Driving at night already limits visibility, and faulty headlights only make it worse.

If your headlights are dim, misaligned, or not working at all, you could be putting yourself and others at risk.

That’s why it’s important to check your headlights regularly to ensure they’re in full working order.

If they seem dull or uneven, consider replacing the bulbs or having them realigned by a professional at your local garage.

Not only will this help you see the road ahead more clearly, but it will also make sure other drivers can see you – improving overall safety for everyone on the road.

Check your tyre’s tread and pressure

Tyre pressure and tread is vital in ensuring your vehicle is driving with efficient grip and all-round safety.

The legal minimum tread depth in the UK, and most places around the world, is 1.6mm – you can check your tyres by placing a 20p coin between the main grooves.

If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread may be too low. It’s best to check multiple spots around the tyre’s circumference to ensure even wear.

Your optimal tyre pressure will be determined by your vehicle and tyre size.

We provide comprehensive breakdowns on several car tyre pressures from several car brand and models, including the Ford Fiesta, BMW 1 Series, Vauxhall Corsa, and much more.

Can’t find your car’s tyre pressure on our website? Refer to your vehicle’s handbook or even do a quick Google search.

Regardless, both need to be in-check to guarantee safe driving, anytime of the day.

Use full beams wisely

Full beams can be a lifesaver when driving on dark, unlit roads, but using them incorrectly can be dangerous for other drivers.

While they improve your visibility, they can also dazzle oncoming traffic, making it harder for others to see the road ahead.

That’s why it’s important to use full beams only when necessary – such as on rural roads with no street lighting – and to switch back to dipped beams when another vehicle is approaching.

If you’re following another car, avoid using full beams as they can reflect in their mirrors and cause glare.

Being mindful of when and where you use your full beams ensures you’re driving safely while also respecting the visibility of others on the road.

Drive at a safe speed and increase following distance

Night-time driving naturally reduces visibility, meaning it takes longer to react to unexpected hazards.

That’s why maintaining a safe speed and leaving extra space between you and the vehicle ahead is essential for road safety.

A good rule of thumb is to double your usual following distance at night, especially in wet or icy conditions where stopping distances increase.

Driving too close reduces your reaction time, putting both you and others at risk if sudden braking is needed.

By keeping your speed sensible and your distance safe, you’ll give yourself more time to react, ensuring a smoother and safer journey for everyone on the road.

Be aware of pedestrians or cyclists

Always be aware of your surroundings – it’s not just the cars on the road you should be wear of, it’s potential surrounding pedestrians or even cyclists on the road you should look out for.

Poor lighting, dark clothing, and unexpected movement can make them less visible, especially in residential areas or near crossings.

Keep an eye out for cyclists who may not always have proper lights and pedestrians who might step into the road without warning.

Slowing down near junctions, pedestrian crossings, and unlit roads can help you react in time and prevent accidents.

By staying alert and scanning your surroundings, you’ll be in a better position to anticipate potential hazards and drive more safely after dark.

Plan your route

Driving at night can already be more challenging, so the last thing you want is to get lost or end up on an unfamiliar road.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to plan your route in advance, whether you're heading on a long journey or just taking an unfamiliar route home.

Checking your GPS, mapping out rest stops, and ensuring you have plenty of fuel can prevent unnecessary stress while driving in the dark.

If you're using a sat-nav, set your destination before you start driving to avoid distractions.

By knowing where you’re going ahead of time, you’ll feel more confident behind the wheel and avoid making last-minute decisions that could put you or others at risk.

Feeling tired? Take a break

Fatigue is one of the biggest dangers of night-time driving, reducing reaction time and making it harder to stay focused.

If you start feeling tired, don’t push through it – pull over and take a break.

Yawning, heavy eyelids, or struggling to concentrate are all signs that it’s time to stop.

A quick rest, a coffee, or even a short walk can help refresh your energy levels. If you’re on a long journey, planning regular stops can make all the difference in staying alert.

At the end of the day, no destination is worth risking your safety.

If you’re too tired to drive, it’s always better to rest and continue when you’re fully awake.

Drive safely and enjoy your ride!

So now you’ve taken all these tips outlined throughout this article, you can now enjoy our drive and make sure it’s as safe as possible.

As we’ve established, you’re keeping yourself and others as safe as possible.

Driving at night and in the dark can be daunting, but it can be made less stressful if you ensure safety before and during your drive.