Guide To Driving At Night: 8 Tips To Improve Safety - Evans Halshaw

Not everyone has the same level of confidence when driving at night. Whether you're starting out on an early morning road trip or you're on your way back from work, at some point in your driving life, you'll be driving in the dark.

It can be especially daunting for new drivers, who need a bit of confidence when approaching nighttime driving. Knowing when to use full beams, when not to, and how to drive on country lanes at night can feel overwhelming at first.

This blog will give you all the tips and tricks for driving safely in the dark, so you can stay aware, confident, and safe on the road.

• Correct use of lights
• Use of additional equipment
• Take regular breaks
• Choose a suitable insurance policy
• Prepare your vehicle
• Get an eye test
• Consider the road conditions
• Don't drink and drive
• Frequently asked questions

Correct use of lights

Seems like an obvious one, but having correctly working front and rear lights is your first port of call. It's illegal to drive at night without properly functioning front and rear lights. So change any iffy bulbs on older cars, and fix or replace any LED or Xenon lights that aren't working properly. A vehicle health check is also a great option, as they include a thorough light inspection, along with other important checks.

Learn how your car lights work. Some cars have automatic lighting, whereas others have manual lighting systems. Also, learn how to switch from full beam to dipped lights. Having to pull over and work out how your car's lighting system works is inconvenient, especially in poor weather. Also, make sure that your lights are free from dirt and dust

as a headlight or rear light that's partially covered is illegal.

Once you're driving and know which knobs to turn to activate your lights, ensure you use them correctly in the dark. If you're driving on unlit roads, use your full beams and switch back to dipped when you approach oncoming traffic. Some modern cars have intelligent lighting systems that keep full beams on while automatically shaping the beam to avoid blinding oncoming drivers or those ahead. Check first that your car can do this.

Light checks before driving at night:

• All lights: Headlights, brake lights, fog lights and indicators. Check and test them all.
• Check your lenses: Dirt, dust, salt, and even ice can reduce the brightness of your lights. Clean them if they're partially obscured.
• Alignment: Ensure your beams are adjusted correctly. Too high or too low can dazzle approaching traffic or limit your view.

Use of additional equipment

It's inevitable that, at some point, you'll break down. And that might be at night. Not only that, but it might also be winter, so it's essential you keep an emergency kit in your car to stay safe. Being prepared for a nighttime breakdown will give you the reassurance that you’re ready for anything.

Emergency Kit & Tech Essentials:

• Torch and spare batteries: Your phone may have a torch, but if the battery is low or you need it for emergency calls or breakdowns, it’s safer to keep a torch with fresh batteries.
• First aid kit: A first aid kit for you or your passengers is a lifesaver. If you’ve had a minor incident, having one is a simple way to be prepared and gives you peace of mind on the road.
• Reflective warning triangles: Many modern cars come with them as standard, but if yours doesn’t, it’s worth buying one. They help warn traffic behind you that a vehicle has broken down.
• Phone charger or power bank: If you break down and your phone is low on charge, a charger or power bank is a lifesaver. It lets you call for assistance and stay in contact without worrying about your battery.
• High-vis jackets: Keeping a couple of high-vis jackets in your car adds an extra level of safety, especially in high-traffic areas. They help other road users spot you and keep you visible in the dark.
• Blanket, gloves, hat, and warm clothing: Keep these in the car. If you break down or have to pull over, they’ll keep you warm while you wait for help.
• Jump leads or portable jump starter: If you have a flat battery, jump leads can be a lifesaver in getting your car or another vehicle moving again.

Taking Regular Breaks

The Highway Code strongly recommends taking a minimum 15-minute break for every two hours of driving to prevent tired-related accidents. Especially driving at night, when the dark skies can make you feel more fatigued. If another of your fellow passengers can drive, have a swap for a bit. Even if it's just for 20 to 30 minutes while you take it easy.

If you do feel tired or sleepy while driving, stop at a safe designated place, such as a service station or a quiet side road, away from the motorway and traffic. Don't stop on the hard shoulder or in the emergency stopping areas.

If you're doing a long road trip, it's a good idea to plan your journey and the rest stops along the way. And when you do stop, having a short nap, coffee, or tea can help you manage fatigue. It's safer to arrive at your destination a little later than to risk a tired-related collision. Taking frequent breaks and listening to your body helps keep you, your passengers and other road users safe throughout your journey.

Choosing a suitable insurance policy

Telematics or black box insurance policies measure your driving via an installed black box or a phone app that monitors how safely you drive, such as your speed and how quickly you brake. It's a way of seeing how risky you are as a driver and is designed to help young or inexperienced drivers obtain more affordable car insurance.

Most insurers understand that nighttime driving is inevitable, especially for young drivers, where work or socialising might come into play. However, frequent nighttime driving can affect insurance premiums.

Why is driving at night more of a risk?

Many accidents and incidents occur at night because visibility is poorer in unlit areas, making it challenging to assess speed, distance, and road hazards. Identifying pedestrians and additional road users can also be more difficult, especially if they're wearing dark clothing. For these reasons, driving at night can negatively impact your telematics driving score with some insurers due to the increased risks and nighttime dangers.

If you plan on driving at night frequently, we'd recommend considering the insurance policy you're taking out. While telematics-based coverage is typically cheaper, the long-term negative implications of breaking your curfew could cost you more in the long run, or even result in your policy being cancelled.

Preparing Your Car

Preparing your car for night driving helps ensure a safer journey for you and other road users. Below is a checklist of checks to do before you head out into the night, especially on longer road trips.

• Check your lights: Check all your lights in your car. Not only headlights (dipped and high beam), but rear lights, brake lights, indicators, and even reversing lights.
• Clean light lenses: Wipe down and clean your lenses to ensure your lights provide full brightness.
• Ensure your windscreens are clear: Remove any dirt or grime from your windscreens, and make sure your mirrors are clean as well.
• Check your fuel levels and battery charge: For traditional-style engines, make sure you have enough fuel, and in hybrids and all-electric cars, check the charge and ensure you've got plenty for your journey.
• Check your tyres: Make sure they're at the correct pressure and have the legal tread depth.
• Wiper blades: Test them to ensure they are working. 
• Top up your fluids: Check your oil levels and top up your screen wash fluid reservoir.
• Rear view mirror: Ensure your rear view mirror is set to its nighttime setting, so that vehicles behind you don't dazzle you.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Ensure you have an emergency kit in your car that includes a torch, a first-aid kit, high-vis jackets, warm clothing, etc.

Get an eye test 

If you're a new driver or your eyesight isn't as good as it used to be, it's always a good idea to get an eye test before driving regularl, especially at night. Seek the advice of a qualified optician to ensure you have the correct prescription when driving.

With the visibility already low in the dark, ensuring you are wearing the correct glasses is critical for safe nighttime driving. You can receive a fine of up to £1,000 for not wearing the correct glasses when driving, and possibly three points on your driving license. For an ultra-safe nighttime drive, keep a spare pair of glasses in the car in case you forgot to take your everyday glasses.

Even if an optician doesn't say you need glasses, there are glare-free glasses available that can reduce the impact of dazzling lights and other distractions. You should never wear dark or tinted glasses though, as these can significantly hamper visibility.

Consider the road conditions

If you're about to head out into the night in your car, it's always a good idea to check the weather, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can pose major hazards. Living in the UK, there is a lot of rain, which can be problematic when driving at night.

Never speed, and whilst driving at night, keep your speed moderate and leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for more reaction time. Watch out for potholes and other road hazards such as road works and stray animals, especially on country roads. Pedestrians and cyclists are harder to spot at night too and may not be wearing appropriate clothing, so keep your eyes on the road. 

Being aware of the conditions around you and adjusting your driving accordingly will help you stay safe, in control and prepared for whatever the road may bring.

Don't drink and drive

Now, this may seem like common sense to many, but a significant amount of RTCs and road-related deaths are caused by people driving under the influence of alcohol.

Although you may think it's safe to drive home after a couple of pints at your local, it's never worth risking the lives of yourself and other road users, as even the smallest amount of alcohol can have an effect on your ability to safely drive a motor vehicle.

The easiest and safest way to avoid this is by using public transport, ordering a taxi, or getting a lift from a friend. If going with the latter, ensure your friend doesn't drink and drive either. Many groups of friends take it in turns to be the nominated sober driver for a night, ensuring everyone can enjoy themselves and get home safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest hazard in night driving?

Decreased visibility is one of the main factors of night driving, especially on unlit roads. Ensure you reduce your speed, use your headlights in the correct manner, and be more alert when driving at night.

When should I use full-beam headlights?

Use full-beam headlights on unlit roads to see further ahead, but immediately switch to dipped when traffic approaches. Don't use your full beams when following traffic either, as this can dazzle those ahead of you.

Are learner drivers allowed to drive at night?

Yes, just like driving during the day, they must be accompanied by a qualified driver over 21 who has held a licence for at least 3 years. It's even good to practice driving at night as a learner, as this can better prepare you for low light on your practical driving test.

Driving at Night: Stay Safe and Confident

Driving at night doesn't have to feel daunting. With the correct preparation and a calm, focused approach, you'll be able to drive confidently and safely at night. Simple, quick checks such as checking the lights, planning your journey, taking regular breaks, and adjusting your driving to your conditions will make a big difference to safety and comfort.

Whether you're a new driver building your confidence or an experienced driver looking to practice your skills, staying alert and prepared will help you handle night driving with ease. Take your time, stay alert, and enjoy your journey, whether it's a quick trip to the shops or a longer road trip adventure.

Is your car ready for night driving? Book a vehicle health check with Evans Halshaw’s service department today. From headlights and brakes to tyre pressure and fluids, we'll make sure your car is safe, reliable, and ready for the road, day or night.