Studies have revealed that accidents between 17:00 and 23:59 account for over 43% of fatal car accidents.
James Harding, a tyre specialist with 15 years of experience at Blackcircles, comments, “Statistics show that the majority of car accidents happen during darker hours, mainly due to reduced visibility, which increases the difficulty of judging distance and speed. It is important to pay attention to and look out for any potential hazards. To help drivers stay safe, we have given our top tips on how to drive safely in the dark”
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1. Get your eyes tested
Driving with compromised eyesight is a risk at any time of the day – particularly at night time. Headlights can cause issues with light glare, and hazards are less visible to drivers. 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. Glasses lenses can now be coated with AG and AR coating which can help reduce glare and help drivers to see more clearly.
2. Ensure your headlights are working correctly
Driving at night limits visibility, and faulty headlights make it more difficult. If your headlights are dim, misaligned, dirty or not working at all, you could be putting yourself and other drivers at risk. Checking your headlights before you set off on a journey is crucial. To check your headlights, switch them on and walk around your car to visually inspect if they are working and emitting a bright, even light. Any dimness or uneven illumination may indicate a faulty bulb or an alignment issue, so it is best to check both low and high beams in a dark area.
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3. Only use full beam when safe to do so
Whilst it may be tempting to turn your full beam on and illuminate the road in front of you, doing so can be dangerous to other drivers. It is important to only use full beams 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.
4. Increase your 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. 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.
5. Check your tyre treads
Tyre pressure and tread are 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 and can be checked by reading your vehicle’s handbook.
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6. Take a break if you are tired
Fatigue is one of the biggest dangers of nighttime 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.
Fatigue is one of the biggest dangers of nighttime 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.
James continues, “Driving at night can be daunting, but following tips and checking your vehicle before starting a journey can help drivers to feel safe and prepared.”
For more information, visit https://www.blackcircles.com/news/driving-at-night-tips.
Also causing accidents are people who fit led bulbs to headlights that should only have standard bulbs fitted
Good article. Can I make one suggestion, replace the word ‘accident’ with either ‘crash’ or ‘collision’. This has been the approach from the police and road safety organisations for over a decade now. Thank you.
Most accidents at late evening also caused by people fitting led bulbs into reflectors that are only designed for halogen bulbs th u dazzling other motorists