Tips for driving in the dark

SHORTER days mean more driving in the dark, amking it tougher on the driver, especially if there’s rain, snow or ice, too.

Meanwhile, some drivers suffer from nighttime blindness, which can include difficulty in seeing in dark or low-light situations. Here are some top tips for driving at night ... Get your eyesight tested

You should get your eyesight tested regularly to catch emerging sight problems early on. This is particularly important for night-time driving situations, where sometimes people can have difficulty in seeing in dark or low-light situations. Allow for time for your eyesight to adjust If you are starting a night-time journey, give time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Check your lights, mirrors and tyres

It goes without saying, you really do need to make sure all lights, reflectors and indicators are clean and working properly. You cannot expect to get a good view of what’s in front of you if the beam on your headlights is reduced because a film of grime coats the lens.

Never misuse your fog lights

Using your fog lights at night when there is no fog or snow is an offence. Rather than directing your eyes to look ahead to the limit point of the headlights in the distance, misuse of fog lights at night will draw your eyes onto the road space immediately in front of the vehicle, which is dangerous.

Drive at an appropriate speed

The golden rule when it comes to driving at night is to always drive at a speed at which you can stop within the distance you see to be clear. At night this also means within the distance covered by your lights.

Keep lights properly adjusted

If you can see either white or red lights ahead, be sure to dip your own main beam.

If dazzled by oncoming lights, slow down and stop if necessary. It may help to avert your eyes towards the left side of the roadway, but not for prolonged periods.

If you are blinded by lights from a vehicle behind, use the night-driving mode on your internal mirror.

To avoid dazzling others, do the following: If you are being overtaken by another vehicle, dip your lights to avoid dazzling the other driver. When stopped at traffic lights or waiting in traffic, avoid keeping your foot on the brake pedal - as the brake lights can dazzle drivers behind you Watch for vulnerable road users

Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians, who can be very difficult to see at night, especially at dawn or dusk.

Remember to stop, sip, sleep

Driver fatigue is as dangerous as drink-driving - it’s critical to recognise the symptoms and to take action before it’s too late. Pull in, sip a coffee or caffeinated drink, and take a 15-minute nap. After that, you should be fine to drive for another hour or so.