There are two main difficulties with staying alert while driving at night.
Firstly, it’s dark, so it’s harder to see. Secondly, you’re more likely to feel tired and be less able to concentrate.
As a result, driving at night is more dangerous than many people think, as reduced visibility and driver fatigue can increase the risk of collisions, even though there’s typically less traffic on the roads.
Dangers of night driving
Darkness
Darkness can seriously affect driving conditions. Many of the decisions you make behind the wheel depend on good vision, and vision is severely limited at night.
To make matters worse, modern LED and SUV car headlights tend to be brighter and set higher, increasing the risk of glare. This is highlighted by research from Which? that found around 76% of drivers are worried about accidents caused by headlight glare.
In addition, older drivers may have even greater difficulties seeing at night. This is because eyesight can change in later life, making people more sensitive to glare and causing their eyes to take longer to adjust to low light, which can impact reaction times. Mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 are one of the proposals currently being considered as part of the government’s Road Safety Strategy.
Tiredness
Another factor that adds to the danger of night driving is fatigue. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing down reaction times. The road safety charity Brake says that driving while tired can be as dangerous as drink-driving.
If you add alcohol into the mix, you’ve got a recipe for disaster. The main rule of thumb is: don’t drink and drive at all. Alcohol severely impairs your driving ability and acts as a depressant, so just one drink can cause fatigue.
As a result, weekend nights can present an additional risk, as more people are likely to be driving after drinking or when tired.
Tips to help drive safely at night
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you drive more safely at night.
- Check your lights
Check your lights are in good working order. The Highway Code advises drivers to use their lights between sunset and sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced. Be sure to check and clean your lights regularly. - See and be seen
If you're in any doubt about visibility in the evening or at night, turn on your headlights. Although lights won’t help you see better in early twilight, they will make it easier for other drivers and pedestrians to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing. But always make sure you’re using the appropriate beam and remember that full beams can dazzle other drivers. - Don’t dazzle others
Speaking of which, it’s important to make sure your headlights are properly aimed and not set too high. Poorly aimed beams can dazzle other drivers as they approach, reducing your ability to see the road as well. Before you set off, make sure your rear-view mirror is adjusted to its anti-dazzle setting. - Clean your windows
Clean both the inside and outside of your windscreen regularly. Dirt, smears, and condensation can significantly worsen headlight glare and reduce visibility. If you wear glasses, make sure your prescription is up to date, and your lenses are clean. Some drivers also find anti-reflective coatings helpful for reducing glare. - Hold your course
If an oncoming vehicle doesn’t lower its beam, avoid the glare by watching the left edge of the road and using it as a steering guide. This will help you stay on track. - Drop your speed
Reduce your speed and increase your stopping distances. It's harder to judge other vehicles’ speeds and distances at night. - Get some rest
Finally, make regular stops for rests, light snacks and exercise. The Highway Code recommends at least a 15-minute break after every two hours of driving. If you feel too tired to drive, stop and get some rest. This may involve leaving the motorway and finding a service station or even a town where you can have a quick nap. Don’t be tempted to push through and never stop for a snooze on the hard shoulder.
If you want to build on your driving skills and experience, you may want to consider an Advanced Driving Course.
