Night Driving Safety Tips Every Driver Should Know

As the evenings start to get darker earlier, it is important to remember that driving at night brings extra risks. Research by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) in 2017 found that 40% of collisions occur during the hours of darkness, and that falling asleep at the wheel accounts for 20% of serious motorway accidents. This is why following night driving safety tips is essential for both private motorists and commercial drivers.

Why Driving in the Dark is Riskier

One of the main challenges of driving at night is reduced visibility. It becomes harder to judge speed and distance, and this can easily lead to mistakes. Street lighting is also less reliable, with many areas dimming or switching off lights between midnight and 5am.

For drivers in transport and logistics, travelling in the dark is often unavoidable. Industry schemes such as the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) stress the importance of vehicle checks, fatigue management and safe driving practices. Even if you are not part of FORS, adopting similar best practices can help keep drivers and vehicles safe.

Night Driving Safety Tips

Here are some simple but effective ways to stay safe when driving in the dark:

• Keep your windows clean to reduce glare and condensation.

• Dip your headlights when approaching other road users to avoid dazzling them.

• Switch your headlights on before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise.

• Book regular eyesight tests, as conditions such as glaucoma can reduce night vision.

• Allow more space for other drivers and be prepared for unpredictable behaviour.

• Watch for pedestrians near pubs, clubs and busy nightlife areas.

• Give yourself more time for journeys so you are not under pressure.

• Dim dashboard lights where possible to reduce windscreen reflections.

• Carry out thorough vehicle checks before setting off, paying close attention to lights and tyres.

Eye Health and Night Vision

Clear vision is essential for safe night driving. Schedule regular eye tests to make sure you are fit to drive. Never wear tinted or dark lenses when driving at night, as they reduce visibility further.

When to Turn On Your Headlights

ROSPA recommends turning on your headlights before sunset and leaving them on for at least an hour after sunrise. This makes you much more visible in twilight conditions.

Check that your lights are clean, working properly and correctly aligned. Avoid driving with your interior lights on, as they can cause distracting reflections on the windscreen.

Dealing with Headlight Glare

On rural roads, where there are no street lights, use full beam when possible. Always switch back to dipped headlights when you see an oncoming vehicle or when someone overtakes you, to avoid dazzling them.

If you are dazzled by another driver, avoid looking directly at their lights. Instead, look down and to the left towards the kerb, keeping the wheel straight and your speed steady. Try not to brake suddenly or vary your speed unnecessarily, as this can confuse drivers behind you.

Final Thoughts

Driving at night will always carry extra challenges, but by following these night driving safety tips you can reduce risks, protect yourself and others, and feel more confident on the road. At Tilly Hire, we make sure our vans and trucks are maintained to high standards, so your business has one less thing to worry about when driving after dark.

If your business needs commercial vehicle hire in Liverpool, contact us today to find out how we can support your transport requirements.