Data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows each year when the clocks go back, there’s a spike in the number of vulnerable road users killed or seriously injured.
To help you and others stay safe, we’ve put together an essential guide packed full of advice on driving in the dark.
It’s illegal to drive at night without properly functioning front and rear lights, so make regular checks to ensure they’re all in full working order.
If you find that a bulb needs changing, get it done as soon as possible to avoid being stopped by the police.
The way you use your lights is hugely important too. Turn dipped headlights on about an hour before sunset and keep them on an hour after sunrise to ensure you’re always clearly visible to other road users.
You should use your full beam on unlit country roads to help you see the road layout more clearly, but if you encounter another vehicle, switch back to dipped beam straight away so that you don’t dazzle them.
To prevent yourself from being dazzled, never look directly at the headlights of other cars. The glare can temporarily impair your vision, making you more likely to panic and lose your bearings.
Look to the left-hand side of the road and follow the white line marking the edge if there is one, so you can keep track of your position. If the glare is so bad that you can’t see anything, slow down but avoid stopping abruptly as you don’t want a car that is travelling behind you running into the back of you.
A build-up of condensation on the inside of your windows and dirt on the outside can also impair visibility, so it’s important to take time to clean them before setting off.
Windscreens are particularly susceptible to steaming up on the inside, especially in cold weather, while car heaters can blow dirty air at the glass, causing a hazy film to build up on the inside. This can increase glare from oncoming headlamps.
Vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly and cyclists are at increased risk at this time of year.
Take extra care when driving around schools and in residential areas so you have time to react if someone does happen to step out in front of you. Remember that it’s also Halloween week, so many youngsters will be dressed up in dark costumes and hanging around poorly-lit areas, making them even less visible to motorists.
Cyclists can be difficult to spot after dark too, especially if they’re not wearing reflective clothing.
You should also watch out for animals darting out in front of you, particularly on country roads where nocturnal creatures are active. Keep your speed down and always be on your guard for any unexpected movements.
