Summer has been and gone, tans have faded and winter coats been added. The clocks have slipped back, and as we approach peak winter (hey, has the longest day of the year been yet?) we’re forced to reluctantly face up to the many dark nights ahead, not to mention the morning drive cloaked in the season’s gloom. So, with this in mind, we’ve teamed up with Grange Motors, Land Rover specialists, to give you our IDEAL tips for driving safely in the dark.
The Facts
Winter goes hand in hand with harsh weather conditions that can affect the state of the road when driving, exacerbated by the decreased visibility associated with the time of year. According to the Department of Transport, in the winter of 2014, 2,274 people were injured in reported road accidents, 251 were seriously injured and 29 people were killed.
Of all fatal car accidents, 49 percent occur at night, despite there being fewer drivers on the road – a fatality rate per mile nearly triple that of daytime driving. Therefore, it’s vital to be primed and fully prepared for after dark journeys, as well as the before light mornings.
Light Smart
Whilst it’s essential that you have your headlights on before sunrise and after sunset – obviously – in the winter, it’s advised that you keep your lights on for an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset to ensure other drivers on the road can clearly see you during twilight. You should do regular checks to make sure that all your lights are operating properly throughout the winter too – failure to switch them on could mean other drivers do not see you approaching and accidents may occur.
Drive with your full beam switched on in rural areas whenever you see it safe to do so, to improve your road visibility. However, you must ensure you dip your lights back down when you encounter another driver to avoid dazzling them and affecting their visibility.
Have Your Eyes Checked
The dark nights are a trigger for drivers to realise that their sight isn’t great. Therefore, if you haven’t had your eyes tested in a while, get down to Specsavers (other opticians apply). Be aware that some drivers struggle with the glare from headlights and street lamps in the dark – fortunately, most opticians offer anti-glare lenses to help improve night time driving.
Reading road signs after dark, where they might not be as clear to make out or affected by the weather conditions, also requires strong, reliable vision. If you don’t feel comfortable driving without your glasses, don’t! It’s that simple. If you do, make sure you always keep a pair in your car, so you can clearly see when driving in the dark.
Finally, ensure that you regularly clean your windows and mirrors, too – having a dirty windscreen can catch the glare of oncoming vehicles and compromise your vision.
Allow More Time For Your Journey
When driving in the dark, it’s important to take your time as it’s sometimes not as easy to see hazards on the road. By allowing more time for your journey, you can schedule regular breaks when driving long distances to give your eyes a rest. Driving in the dark can be a strain on your eyes, and it’s easy to start to feel fatigue. So, give your eyes a rest and then allow time for them adjust.
Be prepared to be patient and cautious of other drivers around you who might not be as comfortable as you are driving in the dark too, or who may have been drinking. Stay alert. 77% of alcohol-related car accidents occur between 6pm and 6am. Be safe and enjoy the festive season!
