10 Essential Tips For Driving Safely At Night

We are afforded less and less daylight in the winter, both in the morning and in the evening. For this reason we need to be prepared for driving safely at night. Our top 10 tips for driving at night can help save lives so be sure to check you’re doing the following:

High Beams – You need to check your headlights regularly as they can help you as well as other drivers. High beam should be used sparingly in areas with no streetlights, but be sure to turn them off when you see oncoming traffic as the glare could daze them.

Wildlife – In darker areas, and in more rural areas, you’re likely to see wildlife. Animals such as deer and foxes could dart into the road if startled and cause a lot of damage if you hit them. Make sure you’re always alert and on your guard, giving yourself time to stop when you see wildlife in the road.

Drunk Driving – Under no circumstances should you drive when you’re over the limit for alcohol. It’s best to avoid drinking altogether when you know you have to drive, but if you do go out you could always opt to take a taxi or use public transport. If you are driving whilst drunk at night you put yourself and everyone else at risk.

Fatigue – Once the sun goes down it is easy to let fatigue overcome you, but the last thing you want is to be falling asleep at the wheel. If you feel yourself flagging you should pull in at services or find a hotel for the night.

Glare – It’s easy to become momentarily blinded by the headlights of oncoming traffic, to avoid this glare you should direct your eyes away from the lights. This can keep your night vision working and makes you a safer driver.

Hang Back – Tailgating is never encouraged, but it’s even more important to keep your distance at night as you’re more likely to need to perform an emergency stop. By hanging back you also prevent your headlights from overwhelming the car in front of you.

Eye Tests – If you feel like your eyesight has been getting worse over time you should get an eye test. Keeping clear vision on the road is important no matter what, but at night it can be even harder to spot obstacles in the road and judge distances. If you need glasses, make sure you wear them.

High-Visibility Clothing – You never know when you’ll have a breakdown and it can be dangerous at the side of the road at night. Keep a high visibility jacket in your car just in case you get stranded, this will help passing drivers see you and avoid you.

Window Clean – We all know how important visibility is to your driving skills so keep your windscreens clean inside and out. This will help to keep things clear when you hit glare from headlights and streetlamps.

Slow Down – Your speed can impact how long it takes you to stop in an emergency. With conditions more hazardous at night, it’s a good idea to slow your speed below the allowed limit.

At Wyatt Coaches we’re always prepared for night driving and the conditions it brings, giving you airport transfers in Doncaster which are safe and reliable. Contact our friendly team today to book your airport transfer service.