Driving at night

Driving at night presents different challenges compared to daytime. Your visibility is reduced, other road users are harder to see, and tiredness becomes a factor.

Using your lights

Dipped headlights

Use dipped headlights whenever it's dark. They illuminate the road ahead without dazzling other drivers.

Full beam

Use full beam on unlit roads when there's no traffic ahead or approaching. Dip them immediately when you see another vehicle.

Fog lights

Only use rear fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres. Using them otherwise can dazzle drivers behind you.

Dealing with dazzle

If oncoming headlights dazzle you:

• Slow down. you can't see as far
• Avoid looking directly at the lights
• Focus on the left edge of the road
• If necessary, stop until your vision recovers

Tiredness

Fatigue is a major cause of night-time accidents. Signs you need to stop:

• Yawning repeatedly
• Heavy eyelids
• Wandering thoughts
• Missing turns or road signs
• Drifting in your lane

If you feel tired, stop as soon as it's safe. A 15-minute nap combined with caffeine can help. caffeine takes about 20 minutes to take effect.

Vulnerable road users

Pedestrians and cyclists are harder to see at night. Watch for:

• Pedestrians in dark clothing
• Cyclists without lights
• People leaving pubs late at night
• Animals crossing rural roads