Safe night driving: Important tips for travelling safely in the dark
Driving at night can be significantly more challenging than driving during the day due to reduced visibility, increased fatigue and unexpected road hazards. Unfortunately, a significant number of road accidents occur at night. Data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows that there is a spike in the number of vulnerable road users killed or seriously injured after the clocks change in autumn. However, by being properly prepared and adapting your driving style, you can significantly reduce the risks and keep yourself and others safe.
Here are some key tips, gathered from our sources, to help you drive more safely in the dark:
1. Prepare your car for night driving
Before you set off in the dark, it's crucial to make sure your car is in good condition.
Check and clean the lighting: Properly functioning front and rear headlights (especially high-quality upgrades), turn signals and brake lights are vital for visibility. A faulty light bulb is illegal — check and replace any faulty bulbs promptly. Keeping your headlights clean ensures maximum projection and minimizes glare.
Consider installing light bars for enhanced illumination on rural roads or off-road journeys. These can significantly increase your field of vision, especially in pitch-dark areas, and are popular among off-road enthusiasts and long-distance travellers.
Third brake lights are an often-overlooked component — make sure yours is functional. Replacing or upgrading your third brake light can further improve visibility for drivers behind you, particularly in low-light or bad weather conditions.
Keep the windows clean: Dirty or fogged-up windows scatter light, increasing glare and reducing visibility. Regular cleaning inside and out can make a big difference.
Adjust instrument cluster brightness: Too-bright dashboard lights can reduce your night vision. Dimming the brightness helps your eyes adapt to darkness more easily.
2. What role does vision play in safe night driving, and what can be done to improve it?
Your eyesight is one of your best aids when driving, especially in the dark.
Get your eyes checked regularly: Good eyesight is key to safety at night, as visibility is significantly reduced. Driving in changing lighting conditions can reveal vision problems. Regular eye tests at an optician are important, especially if you notice difficulty recognising signs in glare. As recommended by your optician, have your eyes checked at least every two years. You should be able to read a UK number plate from a distance of 20 metres.
Wear suitable glasses: If you are prescribed glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them when driving. Your optician can recommend suitable night driving glasses and anti-reflective lens coatings that reduce reflected light and help reduce glare from headlights and street lights. Avoid dark or tinted glasses, as they can significantly impede visibility at night. Some ‘night driving glasses’ with yellow lenses have not been scientifically proven to be effective, and some evidence suggests that they may reduce visibility. It is also important to keep your glasses clean, as dirt on the lenses scatters light and increases glare.
Avoid fatigue: Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Fatigue significantly reduces concentration and reaction time. Since our bodies are naturally more tired at night, the risk increases. If you feel drowsy (heavy eyelids, frequent blinking, difficulty focusing, yawning, difficulty recalling the last miles driven), pull over and rest. On long overnight journeys, plan to take regular rest stops at least every two hours. A short 15-minute nap can help. Make sure you are well rested before travelling at night. Coffee or caffeinated drinks can help keep you awake, but don't rely on them alone. All UK motorway service areas are open 24 hours a day, offering a place to take a break.
3. Use Lighting Properly and Adjust Your Driving Style
How you use your lights and drive at night makes a big difference.
Turn on dipped headlights early: Switch them on about an hour before sunset and leave them on for an hour after sunrise to remain visible to others. Even on well-lit motorways, always use your headlights at night.
Use full beam with caution: On unlit rural roads, use full beam to see further and more clearly. This helps you spot animals and hazards earlier. But switch to dipped beams when approaching or following another vehicle to avoid dazzling other drivers. Avoid full beams in heavy rain, fog or snow, as the light can reflect back and reduce visibility. Only use fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres.
Avoid looking directly at oncoming lights: To prevent being dazzled, don’t stare directly at oncoming headlights. Instead, focus on the left-hand side of the road and follow the white line if visible. If glare becomes overwhelming, slow down gradually but avoid sudden stops to prevent rear-end collisions.
Slow down: Reduced visibility at night means you have less time to react. Drive slower than you would in daylight to give yourself more time to respond to unexpected events and reduce collision impact.
Increase following distance: Leave extra space between you and the car in front. This gives more time to react and reduces the glare of your headlights in their rearview mirror.
Scan and anticipate: Don’t just look ahead—scan the road edges and check mirrors frequently. Watch for shadows, flashes of movement or anything unusual—these could be animals, pedestrians or cyclists. Anticipate the actions of other drivers and be ready for sudden moves.
4. Watch Out for Potential Hazards
Certain road users and obstacles become harder to see after dark.
Be alert for vulnerable road users: Children, older adults and cyclists are at higher risk during dark hours. Cyclists can be especially hard to see if not wearing reflective clothing. Be extra vigilant near schools and in residential areas. Pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists, both in towns and rural roads. Around holidays like Halloween, children in dark costumes may be hard to spot in poorly lit areas.
Look out for animals: Wildlife, especially nocturnal animals, may dart into the road unexpectedly—particularly on rural roads. Keep speeds low and watch for any movement or eye reflections at the roadside. If an animal appears, brake firmly but avoid swerving, which can be more dangerous.
Beware of potholes: Road defects are a long-standing issue and more difficult to spot at night. Drive slowly and stay alert on dimly lit roads. Speeding increases the risk of damage or an accident.
5. Carry Essential Equipment
Being prepared for an emergency is wise for every driver.
Useful items to have: Keep a torch (head torches free up your hands) in the boot in case of breakdowns, for inspecting the engine or changing a tyre. A blanket or warm clothing is advisable if you need to wait for help. Keep your phone charged. An ice scraper or de-ice is handy if temperatures drop. Emergency kits may include warning triangles and high-visibility vests, which are mandatory in many European countries and help alert other drivers to your situation.
6. What to Do if You Break Down or Have an Accident at Night
If you break down, find a safe, well-lit area to pull over.
Turn on your hazard lights.
If possible, wear a reflective vest and place a warning triangle.
If involved in an accident, move to a safe area, check for injuries and call emergency services if needed.
Record the incident: note the location, time, and cause. Take photos of the damage, number plates and the scene.
Exchange information: collect names, insurance, and contact details from all parties, including witnesses.
7. Improve Your Night Driving Skills
If you're a learner or lack confidence driving at night, gaining experience after dark can be extremely beneficial. Most driving instructors offer evening lessons. If you’ve recently passed your test and have limited night driving experience, consider taking the Pass Plus course, which includes a night driving module. A refresher session with a qualified instructor can also boost your confidence.
Conclusion
Night driving may seem daunting, but by following these key tips — preparing your vehicle, looking after your vision and physical condition, using lights properly, adapting your driving style, and being cautious of potential hazards — you can significantly enhance your safety. Remember, caution and attentiveness are your best allies on the road at night.